Strength, Cardio, and Flexibility… Oh My! Trying to start your own exercise program can be intimidating and confusing. Navigating the world of health and fitness is not an easy task. But with proper guidance, it is definitely possible!
In order to create an effective program for yourself, it is important to understand that there are three major categories of exercise: strength training, cardiovascular/aerobic exercise, and flexibility training. Each type of exercise is complementary to the other, and when performed properly they can maintain and improve one’s overall fitness level.
In the field of exercise physiology, we use the FITT principle for establishing how much of each exercise type you should be performing. FITT stands for: Frequency (how often), Intensity (how hard), Time (how long), and Type (what kind). Below is a table that outlines the FITT principle for each exercise type, as recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Please take these guidelines into account as you begin to plan your exercise routine. Each type of exercise benefits your body in a different way but are all equally important to your overall health and wellness.
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