Exercise is defined as the systematic movement of an organism in order to promote growth, repair, and regeneration. Physical activity can be any activity that increases the metabolic rate, improves flexibility and mobility, or increases endurance. It is considered a fundamental aspect of healthy living. Exercise is the systematic body movement of an individual for the purpose of improving health, decreasing risk of disease, and increasing performance and health. Exercise can be of various types, designed to stimulate the different aspects of fitness.
Exercise can be passive (i.e. walking, jogging, and cycling) or active (i.e. weightlifting, swimming, and aerobics). The type of physical activity and frequency of exercise greatly affect health outcomes. There are many forms of exercise, which have been found effective in improving cardiovascular conditioning, reducing body fat, increasing strength, enhancing flexibility, and enhancing physical performance.
Aerobic exercises are those that require both aerobic (oxygen-based) and anaerobic (fat burning) energy. Examples of these activities are swimming, running, cycling, stair climbing, and fitness training. These activities can be performed up to three times a week or at anytime for a few hours every week. For most children, aerobics classes provide the best opportunity for overall cardiovascular conditioning. Children in aerobics classes usually obtain a better grade in school, possess greater self-confidence, and begin to become less overweight and obese at a younger age than those who do not participate in physical education classes.
Strength-training exercises are often recommended for children aged 10 years and above. These programs include stretching, muscle building, and resistance training. Children are encouraged to perform a variety of stretching exercises to warm up, stretch, and strengthen their muscles. Children typically begin strength-training programs with moderate activities such as jumping jacks or swimming. Over time, children gradually increase the level of exercise to more difficult workouts, including exercises designed to build muscle mass and decrease fat.
Walking is the most common form of exercise for sedentary adults. Walking helps improve muscle tone, builds strength, and improves cardiovascular health. Walking may also help people quit smoking because it is a good way to release endorphins, which are naturally produced by the brain when you exercise.
Dance is another popular form of exercise that combines flexibility, endurance, and rhythm. It is not an activity that many people engage in but many enjoy. It can be fun to dance and it can build communication skills, social awareness, and self-esteem. When you learn to dance, it is like trying to lose weight by dancing! Dancing requires skill and finesse and requires about one hour of exercise each day.
Yoga is a low-impact, low-stress form of exercise that strengthens muscles, tones the body, and improves flexibility. You will need to stretch before yoga and you should loosen all of your muscles before you begin. The goal of yoga is to achieve a state of personal balance and to cultivate mental and physical wellness. There is no warm-up, but you probably won't need one either.
Resistance training exercises are intended to increase muscle strength and improve overall cardiovascular fitness. These types of exercises usually have specific sets of exercises that target different areas of the body. There are strength exercises for the chest, back, leg, and arm. Resistance training uses the most muscles in the body and results in improved bone density and increased strength. If you want to develop muscle strength, control weight, and improve your cardiovascular fitness, then resistance training should be an integral part of your regimen.
Running and climbing stairs are both great ways to increase muscular strength. The running is designed for cardio, while climbing stairs works your muscular strength. Both are very good exercises for increasing your muscular strength. Climbing stairs allows you to strengthen your leg muscles and thighs.
Weights provide a gradual overload of one or more muscles. They can be dumbbells, barbells, cables, rings, and machines. Weights help to build endurance, muscle power, and flexibility.
Physical activity burns calories and fat and improves overall health. Choose exercises that are easy to do, enjoyable, and incorporate cardiovascular exercise into your daily routine. Your doctor can help you design an exercise program that will work for you. You can get started by visiting your local health department or health store. The important thing is to make physical activity fun.
