2008 Woodie Awards
Here's to Your Health: Tips for Keeping Active
Casey Reutemann '09
Issue date: 10/2/08 Section: Sports
Who decided that official evaluation personal levels of physical fitness ended with the days of pumpkin runs and hall passes? It is unfortunate that as adolescents, our fitness levels and health are in the forefront of everyone else's minds (parents, gym teachers, etc.) yet when we reach the age that it really matters we are expected to know, and care, how to keep ourselves healthy. Like many, I was thrilled upon completing the last ever "beep test" during my senior year of high school. I even did a victory lap. Looking back, however, I'm disappointed that no one bothered to mention to me that no one holds your hand and guides you towards the path of physical fitness in the real world. Not Fair.
I get it; it's hard to get motivated to get up and get moving. I also know that it is nearly impossible to be inspired to do something you don't completely understand. Although no one can ever totally fill the shabby Reeboks of your gum-chomping, wind-suit-clad high school gym coach, I'll settle for a close second as I attempt to refresh your memory.
On the most basic level, there are four components of fitness to consider when making choices regarding your lifestyle, your workouts, and your treatment of your body. In addition to providing you with mind-numbing textbook jargon, I've included some suggestions for each component to help you get a better idea of where you are and where you should want to be.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness: Involves the body's effectiveness in taking in, transporting, and moving oxygen, especially in regard to the capacity of the heart and lungs during movement. To maintain a healthy level of fitness, you should aim for 20-60 minutes of sustained or interval cardio three to five days a week.
Get Creative! While traditional forms of cardio, like running, walking, elliptical machines, swimming, and cycling are all great-it's important to find something that you enjoy. If you love to play soccer, then get your cardio workout during a pick-up game with your friends. Hate the gym? Get in gear outside and enjoy the fall foliage while you break a sweat. It doesn't matter what you do or where you do it, as long as you make a conscious effort to get moving!
I get it; it's hard to get motivated to get up and get moving. I also know that it is nearly impossible to be inspired to do something you don't completely understand. Although no one can ever totally fill the shabby Reeboks of your gum-chomping, wind-suit-clad high school gym coach, I'll settle for a close second as I attempt to refresh your memory.
On the most basic level, there are four components of fitness to consider when making choices regarding your lifestyle, your workouts, and your treatment of your body. In addition to providing you with mind-numbing textbook jargon, I've included some suggestions for each component to help you get a better idea of where you are and where you should want to be.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness: Involves the body's effectiveness in taking in, transporting, and moving oxygen, especially in regard to the capacity of the heart and lungs during movement. To maintain a healthy level of fitness, you should aim for 20-60 minutes of sustained or interval cardio three to five days a week.
Get Creative! While traditional forms of cardio, like running, walking, elliptical machines, swimming, and cycling are all great-it's important to find something that you enjoy. If you love to play soccer, then get your cardio workout during a pick-up game with your friends. Hate the gym? Get in gear outside and enjoy the fall foliage while you break a sweat. It doesn't matter what you do or where you do it, as long as you make a conscious effort to get moving!
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