Fitness training involves structured exercise programs that are designed to reach a person’s physical goals. These goals may be to increase strength or endurance or improve overall health. Fitness training typically includes a mix of cardiovascular exercise, strength training and flexibility exercises.
Aerobic exercise, also known as cardio exercise, increases the heart rate and breathing in order to supply more oxygen to the muscles and lungs. This type of exercise can include walking, jogging, running, jumping rope and using equipment such as an elliptical or stair stepper. A person should aim to spend at least 15 minutes doing this activity a few times a week.
Incorporating this type of exercise can help a person lose weight, improve their blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke or heart disease.
Resistance training builds muscle size and strength. It can be done with a variety of tools, including free weights (dumbbells and barbells) and weight machines. People can also use hand-held weights, homemade weights such as plastic soft drink bottles filled with sand or water, or low-cost resistance bands. A person can even perform workouts by themselves, using their own body weight for exercises such as pushups and situps or leg squats.
It is important to rest muscles between resistance training sessions in order to allow the body to repair and build muscles, rather than breaking them down. Muscles need at least 48 hours to recover between sessions in order to grow larger or stronger. A trainer can vary the workout by changing the number of sets, repetitions or weight used in order to maintain the benefits of a program and keep it interesting.
Flexibility, or stretching, exercises can help improve the range of motion in joints. This can help prevent injuries and make daily activities, such as climbing stairs or lifting bags, easier to do. Balance, or core, training can also be included in a fitness routine. This type of training focuses on the muscles in the abdomen, lower back and pelvis, which can be strengthened with exercises such as planks or squats.
If a person wants to take their fitness training to the next level, they can hire a personal trainer. A trainer can create a comprehensive fitness program that includes all aspects of fitness training. They can advise on what equipment is needed, as well as providing workouts that will be challenging and rewarding.
A trainer can also offer advice on diet and nutrition, which is an important part of any fitness program. A trainer can also provide a social element to an exercise program by encouraging people to join group fitness classes such as yoga or boot camp. They can also encourage participants to work toward competing in an event, such as a marathon or Tough Mudder race, which will turn recreational exercise into a form of fitness training. This can also be a good way to help someone stay motivated and stick with their program.