THE WORKOUT! What Is Your Exericse Routine Missing?

What Is Your Exericse Routine Missing?



We all know that routine exercise is essential for maintaining good health. But many African-American men lose sight of the importance of overall body health when it comes to their weekly workout routines. Our concept of health often centers on the growth and development of muscles and bulk. While muscle stimulation and maintaing lean muscle mass is important, it should not be the only reason we run to the gym.




Equally important for workout routines, is aerobic exercise, adequate water intake, and healthy eating. All of these are crucial for maintaining a healthy heart, and optimizing fat loss.



Aerobic exercise is any activity that uses a large number of muscles, and is maintained continuously, in rhythm. It is a type of exercise that overloads the heart and lungs and causes them to work harder than when at rest. The benefits of aerobic exercise are:



•Strengthening your heart and lungs, further lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol levels



•Stimulates the circulation of blood and lymph throughout your body, helping to strengthen your immune system



•Helps maintain increase your metabolic rate, making it easier for your body to burn fat



•Helps burn calories and reduce your body fat



•Increases serotonin levels and stimulates the brain to release endorphins, which may help ease any stress or anxiety issues



There are many different types of aerobic routines men can do to help add balance to their workouts. These include cycling, jogging, walking, swimming, jumping rope, skating, dancing, or taking an aerobics class. Find something you enjoy doing that keeps your heart rate elevated for a continuous time period. To help you focus more on aerobic activity, consider these options:



1.Use lighter weights. Any bodybuilder will tell you that loading stacks of heavy metal on workout equipment, results in smaller sets and bulkier muscles. Unless you compete in bodybuilding competitions, using lighter weights may be more beneficial than using heavier ones. Lighter weightlighting creates more repititions and adds more aerobic activity to the lifting process, while keeping the muscles toned.



2.Ride a bike. Even if you choose to continue lifting heavier weights, start or end your workout routines by riding a bike. Twenty to thirty minutes of continuous motion on a stationary bike does wonders for your heart rate and helps increase metabolic activity.



3.Take the stairs. This is much easier to accomplish if you work in a multi-level office building, but men should look for the most aerobic means of movement when possible. For example, walk up moving escalators, park at least 100 feet from the entrance to a store, and when possible, walk to locations less than 1/2 mile in distance.