The Three Types of Work-out Program
Three different types of exercise exist. Which one you decide on will depend on the end goal. Cardio exercises will boost energy and help with weight loss. For building stamina and keeping muscles strong, strength training will help achieve these goals. To defend joints and achieve a higher level of flexibility, stretching is a good choice. It isn’t necessary to choose just one type, however. A regimen that is well rounded should have some aspect of all the exercise types.
Cardiovascular exercise is recommended for most people. It will raise your metabolism and burn off fat. Heart disease risks are also reduced. These entail engaging in a vigorous physical activity that will increase the rate of breathing as well as working the muscles. Twenty to 30 minutes at a time is the minimum cardio workout length, and it should be done about 3-5 days per week. Aerobics classes and exercise machines can provide this type of workout. Walking and jogging are also good cardio activities. Playing a game such as volleyball, racquetball or tennis also supply a good cardio workout. A safe and effective way to get a cardio workout is swimming, which is gentle to the joints.
Strength training burns calories as well as building the muscles. These exercises help the body to burn calories and fat faster by boosting the metabolic rate. They also improve endurance, making it possible to work out for longer periods of time. They can be performed with gym equipment that will provide some resistance, or by using weights. Resistance machines are considered the best way to build strong muscles, however, as they work more of the body than just the arms and back. These exercises can be done about twice a week for the most favorable results. Muscles need recovery time between each workout. Doing them too often can result in muscles that are overstressed or even injured.
Flexibility exercises involve stretches. Stretching on a regular basis will help to protect joints from being damaged during other exercises. Stretches are a good activity to do before starting cardio or strength training workouts. This reduces the risk of injuries during the workout. This period of warming up should take about 10 minutes. They are sometimes done without any other exercises. Flexibility exercises are safe for every day, unlike some other forms of exercise. Flexibility exercises can be performed in water for an even gentler effect. Doing yoga is another alternative to keep the body flexible.
Exercising can be a specific workout regimen, dancing or playing sports. Doing more general physical activity can also be considered activity. Exercising can also be done by waling further than is required and climbing stairs even when there is an elevator. Weight training and cardio workouts should only e done after stretching. After stretching, the strength training and cardio workouts may be done on different days in order to keep from stressing the muscles.
Filed under Health by on Feb 17th, 2008.