A healthy and well-balanced fitness regimen* includes all four of the following types of exercise, as they are all important to helping you stay healthy and fit.
Exercise Type and Description | Recommended Frequency and Duration | Associated Health Benefits |
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Cardio / Aerobic ExerciseGeared towards muscular endurance, aerobic exercise includes activities that use large muscle groups, are repetitive and can be sustained continuously. They work the heart and lungs, increasing oxygen intake and heart rate, making them strong. |
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Core TrainingFocused on increasing strength in the muscles that stabilize your ‘core’ or skeletal structure (the lower back and abdominals). |
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Flexibility TrainingFocused on increasing muscular and joint range of motion , flexibility training (stretching) helps balance muscle groups that might be overused during exercise or physical activity or as a result of bad posture. |
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Strength TrainingActivities specifically designed to build muscle and increase strength. |
Duration: Frequency: |
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* If you have any of the following conditions, consult your physician prior to starting an exercise regiment: any cardiovascular disease, including chest pains at rest or exertion; family history of coronary heart disease before the age of 55; high cholesterol, generally above 200; abnormal ECG, or cardiac arrhythmias; smoking; chronic hypertension; extreme obesity; any chronic muscular or joint problem; currently pregnant, or within 3 months of delivery; recent surgery; arthritis; diabetes or asthma.