Today’s typical lifestyle has most individuals in sedentary jobs; therefore, many people seek out various forms of exercise to obtain better health. The benefits of an exercise program can not be overstated. Some of the popular exercise choices include walking, running, bike riding, aerobic dancing, swimming, weight lifting, yoga or working out at the gym.
What is the best type of exercise to achieve these benefits?
Aerobic simply means “any activity that uses muscle groups, can be maintained continuously, and is rhythmic in nature,” per the American College of Sports Medicine. There are many available exercise programs, and the choice you make will be determined by your long terms goals. The types of programs offered include weight loss, strength training, toning workouts, bodybuilding or circuit training.
Goals for a successful exercise program include:
Any aerobic exercise should use the large muscle groups repeatedly, keeping the heart rate up for a sustained period of time.
The program should include exercise 3 to 5 times weekly for 30-60 minutes.
If you are working with a cardiologist, the exercise program should meet the prescribed set goals.
Choose an exercise that you enjoy over an extended period of time.
Essentially, any type of exercise that meets the above criteria will let you achieve your goals.
What are the advantages and disadvantages found in fitness center programs?
Advantages of a gym include workouts that help you lose weight quickly and improve muscle mass, as you burn calories faster. For people 18 years and older, the ability to achieve a better physique can be achieved more rapidly and maintained in a fitness center. You can also target a specific muscle group for toning and choose the appropriate equipment. There is an excellent variety of equipment available, such as: treadmills, bikes, stair climbers, elliptical trainers, free weights and rowers.
Most gym injuries happen when an individual is using equipment incorrectly, so it is important to be fully aware of how a piece of equipment operates. Free weights can be another area where injuries occur. The best rule of thumb is to use a spotter when there is a danger of being crushed by the bar that holds weights.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Yoga?
During exercise or yoga you will focus on your breathing, however, Yoga helps you achieve a more controlled breathing technique. Yoga exercises and postures do involve most of the muscles of the body, but it is not focused on a specific group of muscles.
Some of the advantages of Yoga include:
Yoga Improves concentration.
Yoga is an excellent way to reduce stress.
Yoga improves flexibility, balancing and strength.
Yoga reduces pain levels among seniors.
The only disadvantage to Yoga is the slower weight loss and muscle toning as compared to a fitness center aerobic exercise program. There are certainly less injuries.
One could quite easily incorporate aerobic exercise and Yoga into their exercise routine. For people under the age of 18 and for seniors, Yoga is a better choice. If weight loss and muscle toning is your primary goal, then a gym is a better option. Aerobic and Yoga exercise programs are equally good.