Exercise, What is it?
by: Jim Johns M.S.S., C.S.C.S. 

 

Fitness, or more specifically physical fitness, is a term used quite loosely.  Most references to fitness are vague, so what is fitness?

One definition of physical fitness is the ability to go through your daily activities without a great deal of exertion. Another definition is having the ability to perform your daily routine, as well as any unforeseen emergency with little physical exertion.  You may have already noticed no mention of superhuman feats of strength, endurance,  or a physique devoid of body-fat.  Physical fitness is defined differently for each individual according to their physical ability,  goals,  and interests.  A marathon runner, a football player, and a 45 year old trying to lower his or her waist size, all have very different fitness goals. 

Although the fitness goals are specific to each individual, there are some guidelines that comprise physical fitness from an exercise physiologist’s point of view. An individual’s bodyfat percentage is important to their overall health. This can be measured or estimated in a variety of ways. There are three other areas to determine overall physical fitness; aerobic fitness, anaerobic fitness, and flexibility.

Aerobic fitness is a measure of endurance, lung function, and heart strength. Aerobic Fitness can be measured in a variety of ways. Anaerobic Fitness is a measure of strength and power. There are numerous tests to measure this aspect of fitness. Flexibility is measured by the range of motion in different joints and limbs. It is important for reducing muscle tears, and pulls. It can also affect performance in any activity. Aerobic fitness, anaerobic fitness, and flexibility can be easily measured to chart your progress toward your goals. This keeps you motivated as you see improvement in these three areas of fitness. Bodyfat composition can also be charted to show improvement over time. Measuring these fitness components are key tools to keep you on the correct path to attain your goals. Each individual’s progress helps the exercise physiologist know how to alter the exercise program, and diet to attain the desired results. Knowing how fitness is defined, helps the average guy understand the process used to reach their individual goals.

Our goal at Average Guy Workouts is to help each and every one of you: set your goals, design an exercise prescription especially for you, monitor and measure your progress along the way, provide assistance in altering your program to insure continued results, and ultimately attain your goals. We are committed to you and your overall fitness and well being. We will use the most efficient, scientifically proven techniques to achieve these results. We are not into wasting your time with fad exercises programs, inefficient equipment, or trendy nutrition, unless it is scientifically proven to be safe and effective. We look forward to our relationship with you and your attainment of your dreams and goals.

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