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To move around is a fundamental part of human existence. Humans move to gather and prepare food, protect themselves, and reproduce. This type of functional movement is called physical activity. Meanwhile, exercise is planned act of moving at specific speeds and for a given duration and/or against a resistance. In this chapter we will answer questions about exercise and how to plan an exercise program to achieve a desired outcome such as muscle development, better performance, body sculpting, improved health etc. |
Why do or should we exercise?
To the public, the terms exercise and workout are synonymous. Regular exercise can provide numerous benefits. Depending upon the type of exercise, these benefits can include:
- improved cardiovascular health
- a tool for weight management
- improved body composition
- a positive impact on bone density
- a vehicle for relaxation and social interaction
- improved self-image
What is exercise training?
When we exercise regularly the muscles that are involved can adapt to be more efficient in performing the exercise task. This is a “training effect” or “adaptation” that is visually obvious for weight trainers as the targeted muscles enlarge to provide more strength and power. Their exercises will involve near maximal or maximal intensity for very short durations. Meanwhile, during regular exercise, consisting of lower intensity tasks performed for longer durations, muscle will adapt to become more inclined to aerobic energy metabolism.
What are the most important concepts in exercise training?
The most important aspects of training are the intensity and duration of the exercise. The relationship between these factors is what determines the nature of the associated adaptation. Aspects of genetic predisposition also will influence the degree of adaptation as well as the inclination toward a certain type of training. More on the genetics of training and achievement in sports soon enough.
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