Cardiorespiratory efficiency, strength, flexibility, coordination - all are among the fitness goals set by doctor and physiologists. However, there are other more obvious and tangible goals that often motivate fitness programs. Most people will start feeling better as soon as they look better: simply being able to wear one size smaller is enough to lift your spirits and put a spring in your step. Even a modest effort will often tone up atrophied muscles.
There are many excuses for not exercising. None has any validity. Your size, age, and sex will have an obvious influence on the specific kinds of activity that can do you the most good. They do not provide an excuse for not exercising.
Body Type. If you've been living a sedentary life, a fitness program will probably do wonders for your physical appearance, removing unwanted flab and building firm tissue. No amount of exercise, however, can change your basic body type. There are three basic body types: although few people fit exclusively into any single category, we all lean toward one.
Ectomorph. Thin, small framed, often tall, slender, delicate, and lanky, the ectomorph can excel in running and jumping sports where the less weight carried the better. He may find swimming strenuous since lacking body fat he must work harder to stay afloat. The ectomorph, if physically fit, has good endurance and agility.
Mesomorph. If medium or average build, broad shouldered and well muscled, the mesomorph does well in any sport requiring strength, endurance, or agility. Although aesthetically proportioned and athletic in appearance, the mesomorph is not necessarily on better physical condition.
Endomorph. Round and soft with ill-defined muscles and short limbs, the endomorph is compact with good power and strength but often lacking in endurance. With good buoyancy he will do well at swimming but will not excel in running or tennis.
Age. If you are middle-aged or older, do not expect to recapture the physique of your youth. Regular activity, however, can keep a 75-year-old in better condition than a sedentary man half in his age. Physiologists have found that active elderly people have better reaction reflexes than younger non-active people. In skill sports like tennis, a father can often beat his son by relying on neuromuscular speed and strategy. Exercise is as safe for the elderly as for any other age group when caution is used. Conversely, it is never too soon to begin exercise. Studies show that active children tend to become physically healthy adults.
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JANUARY 9
