There are four main types of exercise: cardiorespiratory, or cardio, strengthening, flexibility, and balance. Cardio is repetitive movements of large muscle groups. Strengthening exercises involve overloading the muscles. Flexibility exercises increase joint range of motion. Balance exercises improve agility and stability. We need some of all of these to stay healthy.
Cardio helps keep our heart and lungs strong. Strengthening helps build muscle mass, stabilize joints, and optimize body composition. Flexibility and balance both help prevent injuries and are helpful in certain sports.
On the surface, these seem straightforward, and they can be. Cardio can be walking, swimming, or cycling. Strengthening can be weight lifting. Flexibility can be as simple as stretching, and you can improve balance by something as simple as standing on one foot.
The fun part is when these intersect! For example, yoga can be cardio, strengthening, flexibility, and balance, depending on the type of practice. Do you get the gist? Now, have fun incorporating these categories for a well-rounded plan. Remember, do not start a new exercise program without checking with your healthcare provider. Need help getting started or deciding what to do? Drop me a line here!
Leave a Reply