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Fitness
Fads
Not All Bad
By Jennifer Faddis
Turn on the television and it can't be missed:
the latest commercial for a fitness fad, from Yoga Booty Ballet
to exercise gliders. The problem is that fad fitness programs
don’t target all components of fitness, but they can have
a place if balanced, according to a fitness expert at the University
of Missouri-Columbia.
“Typically, one type of exercise will not create the perfect
body,” said Steve Ball, assistant professor of exercise
physiology in MU's College
of Human Environmental Sciences. “It is fine to take
part in a fad fitness program, but make sure to include enough
variety in your exercise regimen that all components of fitness
are targeted. People need cardiovascular exercise as well as something
that strengthens muscles and increases flexibility.”
Ball, who also is a state fitness specialist with MU
Extension, points out that the coveted abdominal 'six
pack' requires a combination of low body fat and muscle
strength. Using an advertised ab machine may strengthen the muscles,
but without cardiovascular exercise and dietary modifications
to lose the body fat that covers them, the muscles can’t
be seen. Do beware of programs or machines that promise 'toned'
muscles.
“Since there is no way to measure 'tone,' which
is really a combination of low body fat and having some muscle,
programs and machines do not run the risk of being accused of
not providing it because it is not really measurable,” Ball
said. “Eventually, you have to get back to the basics. Think
about what you can do on a regular basis and for a lifetime. Extreme
programs rarely work in the long run.”
Sometimes exercise trends can help provide motivation and variety.
The body becomes accustomed to certain exercise if it is done
repetitively. While any exercise program has some benefits, Ball
reminds people to use caution before starting anything new.
“Don't have weekend warrior syndrome,” Ball
said. “Don't jump into any program too hard and too
fast, or you will just end up sore and possibly injured. Take
it easy at the beginning, and build up to longer and more strenuous
workouts.”
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Copyright © 2007 — Curators of the University of Missouri
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An equal opportunity/ADA institution.
Published by the Mizzou Alumni Association
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Last Update:
March 12, 2007
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