Benefits of Structural and Functional Cardio respiratory (Aerobic) Fitness

Aerobic fitness can help you do the following:

• Complete and enjoy your daily activities
• Strengthen and increase the efficiency of your heart muscle
• Increase the proportion of high-density lipoproteins in your blood.
• Increase the capillary network in your body
• Improve collateral circulation
• Control your weight
• Stimulate bone growth
• Cope with stressors
• Ward off infections
• Improve the efficiency of your other body systems
• Bolster your self-esteem
• Achieve self-directed fitness goals
• Reduce negative dependence behavior
• Sleep better
• Recover more quickly from common illnesses
• Meet people with similar interests
• Receive reduced insurance premiums

 

Tips to Help You stick to your Exercise Program

Sometimes it seems difficult to continue an exercise program.  Here are a few tips to keep you going:

•   Fit your program into your daily lifestyle
•   Exercise with your friends
•   Incorporate music into your activity
•   Vary your activities frequently, cross train
•   Reward yourself when you reach a fitness goal
•   Avoid a complicated exercise program; keep it simple
•   Measure your improvement by keeping a log or diary
•   Take some time off to rest and recuperate
•   Keep in mind how important physical activity is to your life and health

Safety Precautions for Strength Training

To avoid injury during strength-training exercises, you should observe the following safety precautions:

•   Warm up appropriately
•   Use proper lifting techniques
•   Always have a spotter if you are using free weights
•   Do not hold your breath during a lift
•   Avoid sing lifts of very heavy weights
•   Before using a machine (such as Nautilus or Universal), be certain you know how to use it correctly.
•   Seek advice for training programs from properly licensed or certified experts.
•   Work within your limitations; avoid “showing off”.