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The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) defines aerobic exercise as "any activity that uses large muscle groups, can be maintained continuously, and is rhythmic in nature." It is a type of exer
cise that overloads the heart and lungs and causes them to work harder than at rest. The important idea behind aerobic exercise today, is to get up and get moving!! There are more activities than ever
to choose from, whether it is a new activity or an old one. Find something you enjoy doing that keeps your heart rate elevated for a continuous time period and get moving to a healthier life.
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Safe and effective aerobic training guidelines include frequency, intensity and time (FIT):
Frequency: Exercise at least three times a week.
Intensity: Exercise hard enough to reach your targe
t heart rate. (Take your pulse immediately when you stop exercising, count the beats for 15 seconds and multiply the number by four.)
Time: Include at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise in each
session.
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Aerobic Exercise Guidelines:
Mode:
Type of exercise - what is aerobic exercise?
Frequency:
3-5 days per week
Duration:
20 to 60 minutes of continuous aerobic activity
Intens
ity:
50 - 85% of maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max), or
50-85% of Heart Rate Reserve, or
60-90% of Maximal Heart Rate
Low Intensity: 35-60% of Heart Rate Max or 50-60% of Heart Rate Re
serve
Moderate Intensity: 60-80% of Heart Rate Max or 60-70% of Heart Rate Reserve
High Intensity: 80-90% of Heart Rate Max or 70-85% of Heart Rate Reserve
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Reconditioning through low-impact aerobic exercise is very useful for both rehabilitation and maintenance of the lower back. Patients who regularly undergo aerobic exercise will have fewer episodes of
low back pain, and will experience less pain when an episode occurs. Well-conditioned patients are also more likely to stay functional (e.g. continue working and carry on with recreational activities
), whereas those patients with chronic low back pain who choose not to work on low-impact aerobic exercise should expect to experience the gradual loss of functional capabilities.
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What factors affect aerobic training?
-Frequency, duration and intensity. Frequency refers to how often you perform aerobic activity, duration refers to the time spent at each session, and intens
ity refers to the percentage of your maximum heart rate or heart rate reserve at which you work.
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How often should I train? How hard? For how long?
-Most experts believe that 3-5 times per week for a duration of 20-60 minutes at 60-90% of age specific maximal heart rate or 50-85% of VO2max (h
eart rate reserve).
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