$Unique_ID{BRK01640} $Pretitle{} $Title{Comments on a Good Exercise Program} $Subject{exercise types benefits Community social Program programs walk strengthen muscles cardiovascular heart joint flexibility burn calories weight Aerobic aerobically endurance Running cycling swimming brisk walking Anaerobic exercises tennis handball sprints isometric isotonic Weight-lifting push-ups pull-ups sit-ups muscle calorie Aerobics Run bicycling swim} $Volume{Q-23} $Log{ Exercise Stimulates the Brain*0003201.scf Exercise Strengthens the Heart*0003202.scf Exercise Lowers Triglycerides and Raises HDL*0003203.scf Exercise Helps Strength and Flexibility*0003204.scf Exercise Increases Metabolism*0003205.scf Exercise Increases Lung Capacity*0003206.scf Exercise Improves Circulation*0003207.scf Exercise Improves Kidney Function*0003208.scf Exercise Has Overall Benefits*0003209.scf} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. Comments on a Good Exercise Program ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: My wife keeps pestering me to get more exercise, as the prescription to cure all ills. I do walk when I can and get my heart to race a bit faster, and I suspect that is what all exercise is for anyway. Can you comment on this for me please? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: There is more to it, indeed, much more! Perhaps some explanations of the types of exercise will help. There are several types of exercise, and a good exercise program should give you some of each kind each week. The goals of exercise are to strengthen muscles, improve cardiovascular health, and increase joint flexibility, and in some cases, to burn calories and help in a weight reduction program. Aerobic exercise is any continuous vigorous exercise. As you exercise aerobically, your lungs do more work with less effort, your heart becomes stronger, and your endurance improves. Running, cycling, swimming, and brisk walking are all aerobic exercises. To get the most from an aerobic exercise, exercise continuously without rest periods for 20 to 30 minutes at least 3 times a week. Anaerobic exercises--tennis, handball, and running sprints--involve a short burst of activity followed by a recovery period. They put a sudden high demand on the heart and lungs. Strength building exercises can be isometric or isotonic. Isometric exercises build strength by pitting one group of muscles against another or against something unyielding. Isometrics are no longer recommended because the lack of movement can result in joint stiffening. This type of exercise also increases pressure in the chest and may cause dizziness or fainting. Isotonic exercises build strength by having muscles move weight through a full range of motion. These exercises help maintain muscle mass, body proportions, and good posture. Weight lifting is isotonic exercise, as are push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups, where the weight of the body is being lifted or moved. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.