Exercise programs come in many shapes and sizes
Exercise programs, like those who do them, come in many shapes and sizes. There are questions among every age group about what age appropriate exercise is and how much exercise is the right amount. It is true that specific types of exercises have certain results for different age groups. But it also true that regardless of the methods used, every one of us share the same basic fitness needs.
Parents need to be responsible for their children’s fitness needs. Experts suggest that children who are two years and above require a minimum of sixty minutes of moderate exercise every day. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) has established an activity guide line for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The recommendation for an infant is simply any physical activity which stimulates motor development. Children who are in the toddler stages of development are encouraged to have one and a half hours of physical activity which is divided between structured and unstructured activities. The ratio is thirty minutes of planned activity versus sixty minutes of unstructured. Preschool aged children require two hours of exercise to include sixty minutes of structured play and sixty minutes of free play. By the time children reach school age they need only an hour or more which can be broken into fifteen minute intervals. A good rule of thumb to use for infants is that they should never be inactive for more than an hour at a time unless they are sleeping. School aged children need to be active after two hours of inactivity for them to get an appropriate amount of exercise.
Fitness needs for Teenagers
For teenagers it is important that their accumulated aerobic exercise equals more than an hour a day. Anything that causes your heart rate to increase is aerobic exercise. Biking, jogging and soccer are some good examples. In addition to the calorie burning exercises associated with aerobic exercise, it is important to include strength training and flexibility training also. There does not need to be special equipment or health clubs involved in this. You can do any of the appropriate exercised right in your own home.
Fitness needs for seniors
Are you over fifty or sixty years old? It is not necessary to concede willingly to the aging process. Proper diet and nutrition combined with the appropriate exercise can significantly reduce the negative affects of aging. Studies have shown that exercise can affect the rate at which our bodies’ age. Regular exercise which improves heart and respiratory function will lower blood pressure and increase strength. Other benefits include increased bone density and reduced body fat. There are the added psychological benefits of reducing our susceptibility to depression and increased brain function as well.