A traditional fitness program incorporates several basic components, including various types of exercise, a reached level of intensity, a regular amount of frequency and duration, a structure that is safe and variation. These are explained more in detail below:
- Exercise: Well rounded fitness regimens should incorporate all of the following types of exercise:
- Aerobic or cardiovascular training: Primarily strengthens your cardiovascular system (your heart and the blood vessels – arteries, capillaries and veins) and your respiratory system (your lungs).
- Core Training: Primarily strengthens your abdominal muscles and lower back, a.k.a. ‘Your Power House’.
- Flexibility Training: Primarily gives flexibility to your musculoskeletal system (the muscles, the bones and cartilage). This helps to reduce risk of injury, prevents stiffness and allows you to move freely.
- Strength Training: Strengthens your musculoskeletal system.
- Level of Intensity:
It is important that you are working hard enough during exercise. Intensity refers to the degree of difficulty of an activity and how much strength and energy you need to use in order to perform it. This will vary depending on the type of training you are doing. - Frequency and Duration: It is important to exercise a minimum number of times a week and to spend an appropriate length of time each time you exercise to ensure you gain associated health benefits. Appropriate frequencies and durations will vary depending on the type of exercise you are doing.
- Workout Structure: The structure of your workout can be just as important as working out itself. Ordering your activities in a certain way will ensure that you are maximizing the time you are putting into exercise.
- Variety: In order to see continuous results from a fitness regimen and to help prevent boredom, it is important to vary the way you exercise and the types of exercise that you do.
