We all know that there are so many good benefits when it comes to prioritizing exercise and physical fitness. The thing to focus on is what exactly fitness is and how to go about being successful at it. That’s where the “5 components of Fitness” come in. They are the blueprint for the American College of Sports Medicines physical activity guidelines and serve as a helpful tool for organizing and executing your own well-balanced workout program. These five components are: Cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition.
Creating a workout plan that incorporates all of these components can help ensure that you get the most health benefits from your routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention links regular physical activity to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, improved bone health, enhanced mental health, and improved quality of life with age. The ACSM's physical activity guidelines call for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise.
It's possible to improve muscular strength and endurance at the same time. This can be done in conjunction with cardiovascular training. For instance, circuit-training routines that combine strength exercises and cardio into a single bout of training can make your exercise program more efficient. The ACSM's guidelines state that adults should perform strength training exercises two to three days a week using a variety of exercises and equipment to target all the major muscle groups. The extent to which you train for strength is, again, determined by your own health and fitness goals. Come in to Stiles Chiropractic Offices for all your health and exercise tips!
