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Body conditioning
Body conditioning is any exercise program that focuses on overall conditioning
of the body.
Body conditioning blends cardiovascular conditioning, muscle toning and balance
of movement, in various forms. Body conditioning is important as it builds strength
that exercise like aerobics neglects. It is estimated that men over the age
of 20 years old loose half a pound of muscle per year. Body conditioning can
help restore the lost muscle and also prevent further loss.
The more muscles that is involved in an exercise program, the greater the demand
placed on the heart, circulatory and musculoskeletal systems, leading to a greater
the benefit from the exercise.
Body conditioning can do more to ensure a long, healthy life than just about
anything other known fitness program. There is no person too young or old to
take part in body conditioning and everyone should build strong muscles and
a strong cardiovascular system to reach their physical potential.
Today's fitness conscious adult needs to do both aerobic and strengthening
exercises and to recognize this the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM),
have stated the need to add strength training to aerobic exercises, highlighting
that ‘strength training of moderate intensity, sufficient to develop and maintain
fat-free weight, should be an integral part of an adult fitness program’.
One set of eight to 12 repetitions of eight to 10 exercises that strengthen
the major muscle groups, at least two days a week, is the recommended minimumfor
body conditioning. The primary reason for resistance training is to build muscle
and maintain muscular strength.
As we grow older, we lose muscle, which can lead to a host of functional disabilities
ranging from lack of ability to carry out activities of daily living, to low
back problems. Research has shown that bone loss slows and bone density increases
among individuals who participate in strength training programs and correct
the diet. This shows the need for body conditioning.
The combination of resistance training with aerobic activities may be the best
addition to a weight management program. Aerobic exercise is good for burning
calories during the activity, but the more muscle mass you build and maintain,
the more calories you burn on a 24 hour basis as muscle cells are metabolically
active even when you are not exercising.
Good example of sports that can give good body conditioning include:
- Boxing
- Pilates
- Yoga
- Martial arts; Kung fu, karate, Jitsu etc
- Weight training
- Kick boxing
- Gymnastics
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