Having a well-reasoned, well-planned exercise prescription is important for your fitness success. Without a specific plan, you are less likely to stick to exercise. By designing a program, you will be better prepared and will be able to monitor improvement throughout.
Frequency
Frequency will describe how often you are performing your chosen exercise. It is always better to begin slowly and progress to more days per week. The type of activity will also dictate how often it is performed and whether it can be performed on consecutive days or if a rest day is needed.
Intensity
Intensity refers to the level of your exercise, or how hard you are working. This will be different for everybody. You should notice that, with consistency of your activity, the intensity will begin to feel less when performing the activity, due to adaptation.
Time
Time or duration refers to how long or how many minutes your exercise session will consist of. Once again, this will be different depending on the individual and the type of activity being performed. With consistency, this aspect can be manipulated to foster adaptation and improvement in your program.
Type
Type or mode of activity refers simply to the type of activity being performed. The most common types of activity can be grouped into cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, or flexibility. All are important aspects of health and fitness.
Consistency
There are many activities that can be performed to improve health, fitness or athletic ability, but none of them will work without consistency. By choosing activities that you enjoy, you are more likely to continue with your designed exercise program.
References
- "Fitness for Life"; Matther T. Mahar; 2008
- "ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription"; American College of Sports Medicine; 2006
Member Comments