Talk:Exercise

From CopperWiki

[edit] How about some examples of Exercise?

Exercise is not only about weight loss and energy balance. It also benefits mobility and flexibility; organ function, especially cardio-vascular and lung performance; strength; immunity; mental alertness; overall sense of wellness.

Ideally exercise should cover all aspects of physical fitness namely Strength, Stamina, and Suppleness (The Three S) - but are there any others? You can think of it as an equilateral triangle with no one or two aspects dominating your goal or taking precedence. for example, body-building might enhance strength but done in extreme limits suppleness.

It's never too late to start introducing exercise into your lifestyle, however, don't wait until your lack of fitness brings on irreversible changes to your body that prevents you being at optimum fitness. In other words, the sooner you begin, the better the risk! Always begin gently - it's not a competition, or you're confusing exercise with sport. There's nothing wrong with sport forming part of your routine but don't rush to play with the big boys and girls until you've done a lot of basic work first. Always start gently and progress at a natural pace for you.

Don't neglect to stretch and warm-up before the main event, and stretch and cool-down afterwards before hitting the shower, the bar, or the telly. Give your body a chance to understand what's just happened to it and treat it with respect! There are no spares kept in the wardrobe.

[edit] Gym-less Exercise

Outside of body-building or weight-training, it isn't necessary to go to a gymnasium for exercise, to pay the high cost of membership, or use this as an excuse not to be active. There are simpler, effective exercises you can do like walking (rambling, hiking, speed walking), or two months average gym membership can buy you a decent bicycle instead - for life! Please note, both these activities have the added risk of being more enjoyable than spending time in the gym. Gradually, you may build up to running (jogging, track, hashing). Be sure to get proper running footwear designed to cushion your feet for high impact, and get advice on stride and posture. Don't risk wrecking your body through naivety.

Do not be deterred by light rain; buy waterproofs. Exercising in the rain can be a fun experience but, if not, the determination will do your esteem a power of good. Believe me, you won't be able to resist telling people you're no way a fair weather exerciser!

If you have no fear of water to begin with, try regular swimming. It's low-impact - kind on your joints - good for cardio-vascular performance, strength and stamina, and suppleness if you vary your stroke style.

If you develop a liking for all three of these activities you might start considering combining them all into a Triathlon - an arduous endurance test consisting of long-distance swimming, running and cycling! Be sure to take up Yoga first - you might want to lie down and think about it.