Thursday, November 7, 2013

Creating Commitment to Exercise

Are you have a hard time committing to exercise?

Two key criteria must be met when selecting or designing an exercise program:

1)                  The program must place the appropriate demands on the systems of the body (cardiovascular, metabolic, muscular, etc.) in order for adaptation to occur.
2)                  The program must maximize an individual’s willingness to comply.



Designing an exercise program unequivocally requires the direct supervision of a trained individual.

The following information will allow such an individual to assist you in designing a program based on your health history, goals and interests.  If you have already had such a program designed then perhaps this review will assist you in analyzing and improving upon it.

An exercise routine must address the following four categories:
            Muscular strength
            Muscular endurance
            Cardiovascular endurance
            Flexibility

Remember the following with regards to your exercise routine:

            Aerobic exercise

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends that aerobic/cardio exercise be completed 3-5 times per week for a minimum of 30 – 45 minutes.  These segments can be broken into 10-15 minute intervals and will still allow for metabolic changes.
 
Such exercise should cause an individual to exercise at 65-80% of maximal heart rate. 

Weight bearing aerobic exercise (ex. walking or aerobic exercise class) will create a greater total calorie expenditure than non- weightbearing aerobic activity (ex. swimming or biking).

            Strength training/weight lifting exercise        

The ACSM recommendations for strength training are that an individual take part in weight lifting exercise at least two times per week. 

This program must create an overload on the musculoskeletal system to receive the metabolic and muscular changes associated with weight lifting. 

Weight bearing machines that can be adjusted for position and height are critical in a safe strength training program. A free weight exercise routine should focus on the balance, strength and ability of the participant.



Critical factors with regards to exercise adherence:

1)                  Safety
2)                  Time
3)                  Boredom
4)                  Results

To increase exercise adherence the following guidelines can be helpful to consider:

1)                  Have a plan
2)                  Create short term quantifiable goals
3)                  Minimize injury
4)                  Request fitness testing
5)                  Group exercise participation
6)                  Variety
7)                  Establish accountability
8)                  Chart your program and progress
9)                  Compliment exercise program with recreational activities
10)              Use music to motivate
11)              Establish and commit to a routine
12)              Enroll in motivational rewards programs
Select a qualified and enthusiastic exercise leader

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