The Three Components To A Well-Balanced Exercise Routine

Health, Health and Wellness

When you exercise, chances are you either run, walk, run/jog, swim, take a yoga class, weight train, or play some sort of sport, in and of itself. However, did you know that there are actually three components to a well-balanced exercise routine? Just walking, running, or swimming will not meet all three components and, therefore, is not considered a balanced routine. The three components to a well-balanced exercise routine include aerobics, strength training, and flexibility training.

Aerobics

Aerobic activities work out your cardiovascular system by raising your heart rate for an extended period of time, making your heart stronger and more efficient at delivering oxygenated blood to your body. Aerobic activities include fitness classes such as dancing, Zumba, etc., and:

  • Team sports such as basketball, soccer, lacrosse, hockey, rowing, tennis, etc.
  • Swimming
  • Running
  • Power-walking
  • Cycling
  • Hiking
  • Skating (in-line, ice-skating)
  • And more

Strength Training

Building muscle is beneficial in two major ways: your muscle supports your joints, so strong muscles can help prevent injuries; and it is better to have more muscle than fat because muscle burns more energy than fat does, meaning that even when you are not exercising you’re burning more calories. You can strength train using free weights, weight machines, or the bar for chin-ups; or by using your own body weight:

  • Push-ups/ crunches
  • Sit-ups
  • Planks
  • Squats

Activities such as running, and biking are good for the legs; while rowing, Pilates, and yoga are good for the ab muscles.

Flexibility

Maintaining flexibility is important especially as you age. Being flexible helps avoid injury, allows you to move faster, easier, and more freely, without stiffness, aches, and pains. Activities that develop flexibility include:

  • Stretching before and after exercise
  • Martial arts
  • Gymnastics
  • Pilates
  • Yoga
  • Dance

About Urban Vybe of Flower Mound, TX

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