Pro’s and Con’s of a Training Program

Introduction:

Work-out routines and weight-lifting regimens are extremely common in today’s society among individuals of all ages, classes, and genders.

These types of programs are so easily accessible by logging onto a computer, open a magazine, or turn on the television, and you will be confronted with a lot of programs that all claim to be the “best” weight loss method, or the “best” diet, or the “best” strength training system. Many think it is great that programs are this accessible, but there are many programs that do not work and can hurt the body. Everyone’s body type and body make-up are different and therefore, very important to modify every work-out routine to suit your level of fitness.

Information:

There are many components to every fitness program. These include a cardiovascular work-out, a target heart-rate, and strength training plan including the number of reps, amount of weight to use, and amount of rest time. All of these components serve their own purpose and are an integral part of any good routine.

Activity:

The following websites contain information regarding physical education, including work-out regimens and dietary advice. You are to browse at least two of the following sites and choose two (2) work-out routines, which can include a cardiovascular and/or strength training program.

Activity Links –

Fitness Articles – This site provides a number of various health and fitness articles. The topics include aerobic exercise, healthy dieting, strength training, running and weekly fitness tips - http://www.timeforfitness.com/

Exercise and Health – This website is sponsored by The American Heart Association. There are links including an exercise diary, where one can keep track of his or her exercise progress, a fitness resources link, where one can read frequently asked health and exercise questions, and a “my fitness” link, where one can determine which exercise routine is best for each individual - http://www.justmove.org/home.cfm

Exercise Prescription –There are an abundance of links on this website, including, among others, those for beginners, weight training, kinesiology, aerobic conditioning, and exercise and sport psychology. http://www.exrx.net/

Fitness Articles – This site provides a number of various health and fitness articles. The topics include aerobic exercise, healthy dieting, strength training, running, and weekly fitness tips - http://www.timeforfitness.com/

General Fitness – This site is a general fitness website, geared at all classes of people. It gives basic nutritional information, workout routines, and dieting tips- http://www.fitnessonline.com/

Assignment:

Go to three of the referenced links and find three (3) work-out routines or programs. Find one work-out routine or program from each site and write a one page description of each routine. Then write another paragraph comparing the three programs. Be sure to focus on things such as whether there is a cardiovascular work-out involved, if there is a target heart rate mentioned, and if the cardio is accompanied by weight-lifting. You will also want to review the amount of weight, reps, and rest time for each strength-training activity. In this paragraph include things you personally liked about each program and why, things you do not like or agree with and why, and things that should be added to or taken away from the training program. Remember to critique these programs as if they were meant for your peer group, someone in high school.