We are all able; we only need to know what the best is for us.
Before starting any fitness activity, it is important to ask the question:
Am I fit? There are many complex and expensive ways to find out if you are fit,
but there are also simple and FREE ways. Consider the following indicators
to find out how fit you are:
You can climb up a couple of flights of stairs easily.
You can walk a mile without major efforts and pains.
You can talk while doing a moderate exercise.
You are able to walk the dog without feeling exhausted afterwards.
You can work lightly in the garden for a couple of hours and feel good afterwards.
Then, the next step is choosing the right exercises. It is not as simple as you
might think, but it is not as complex either. First you need to know what your goals
are. If you want to get fit, the best exercise program combines the five types of
exercises: strength, aerobics, balance, flexibility, and core stability. At the
same time you must ask yourself if these are the best exercises for you. So,
access yourself by asking the following questions:
What are my real goals in exercising?
Which exercises will help me achieve them?
Do I enjoy any of these exercises?
What are my limitations?
Which exercises can I do?
Do I do to practice exercise alone or socially?
What is the time that I like to exercise?
Am I am an outdoors or indoors person?
Do I like the gym environment?
Do I own the equipment?
Am I comfortable in the water?
Do I like the cold?
Do I prefer hot?
Doing fitness assessment is very important otherwise you could harm more your
body by doing an exercise that is not really fit for you. For example, people
concerned with joint health or with joint problem should focus on exercises that
are easier on their joints. They should be concerned with the exercises that are
moderate and hard on their joints. But again, it all depends where your joint
problem is. For someone with a shoulder joint problem, the rowing is probably
not a good idea. Just be aware what makes you feel good.
Easy on your joints
Moderate on your joints
Hard on your joints
Water aerobics
Water aerobics
Running fast
Swimming
Hiking
Running in sports
Cross-country skiing
Low impact aerobics
Jumping
Cycling
Stair Climbing machines
Aerobics high impact
Rowing
Tai Chi
Skipping rope
Elliptical machines
Dancing
Basketball
In-line skating
Soccer
Kayaking
Karate
Source: Editorial Staff, August 2007
Last update, July 2008
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