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There are several types of aerobic exercise that are gentle on the back and, when done on a regular basis, highly effective in providing conditioning.
-Walking for exercise. In general, walking for
exercise is very gentle on the back, and walking two to three miles three times per week is very helpful for patients.
-Stationary bicycling for exercise. If walking is painful, stationary bicycli
ng is also effective and may be less stressful on the back.
-Water therapy for exercise. Doing exercise in the water provides for effective conditioning while minimizing stress on the back
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Aerobic Exercise Guidelines for Fat Loss
-The ACSM recommends to target a weekly exercise expenditure of approximately 1000 kcals a week (e.g. 3 sessions of 300 Calories or 4 sessions of 200 Calori
es) (ACSM 1995). See Calorie Expenditure Calculator.
-Review of the scientific literature suggests moderate intense aerobic activity needs to be performed most days of the week to bring about signi
ficant fat loss. Some sources recommend brisk walking progressing to 45 minutes or more daily. Other authorities recommend working up to 60-90 minutes of daily physical activity for weight loss.
-A
lternating weight bearing with non-weight bearing exercises every other day may be recommended to minimize the repetitive orthopedic stresses of exercising daily.
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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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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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Beginning an aerobic exercise program
-If you are beginning an aerobic training program, start with:
-Five minutes of warmup.
-Five minutes of aerobic training activity.
-Five minutes
of cooldown.
-Repeat the routine three or four times a week. Gradually add time to the aerobic training portion, working up to at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise in each session.
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Types of Aerobic Exercise
-Aerobic Dance
-Bicycling
-Cross Country Skiing
-In-line Skating
-Fitness Walking
-Jumping Rope
-Running
-Stair Climbing
-Swimming
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