“Physiological Principles of Exercises & Sports” – A brief discussion

“Physiological Principles of Exercises & Sports” – A brief discussion

Physiological Principles of Exercises & Sports
– A brief discussion


Sport life is full of challenge &competitions which only increases day by day. Players should therefore keep regularly update themselves with the most recent advancement & scientific training methods, equipments etc. Equally important is the basic knowledge of human anatomy, exercise physiology along with diet & nutrition etc. Given below is the basic physiology of exercise & sports which both a trainee & trainer should know, the details are not discussed here.

The knowledge of sport physiology helps us to understand the ultimate limits to which several of the bodily mechanisms can be stressed. Exercise, as we all know, is just like a double edged sword, which might proved lethal if some of the extremes of exercise were continued for even moderately prolonged periods.

Muscular physiology in exercise

Understanding the physiology of muscles in exercise is very important. The most important determinant of success in sports depends upon three qualities of muscles- Strength, Power & Endurance

The strength of a muscle is determined mainly by its size, & resistance training which it received (which also increase a muscle size) & to some extent on hereditary/genetic & other factors. Males has a relative greater muscle mass in compare to females, thanks to the male hormones, testosterone which has a powerful anabolic effect & causing greatly increased deposition of protein everywhere in the body, specially in the muscles. Female hormone, estrogen on the other hand causes mainly deposition of fat specially in the breasts, hips & subcutaneous tissue.

This does not mean that females will always lag behind males in every sports, in some events like swimming in cool water for long distance, women have at times held records, which may be due to the availability of extra fat, providing heat insulation, buoyancy & the extra long-term energy.

The contractile & holding strength of a muscle depends upon its cross sectional area- maximal contractile force: 3-4 kg/cm sq. of cross sectional area & maximal holding force: 4.2-5.6 kg/ cm sq. of cross sectional area (1kg force means approx.10newton force). This amount of force is large enough to easily damage tendons, joints, ligaments & the muscle itself. As the holding strength is about 40% more than the contractile strength, a forceful stretching of maximally contracted muscle is one of the surest ways to create the highest degree of muscle soreness.

 

With proper training muscles get hypertrophied (an addition of 30 to 60 %), due to mainly increase in diameter of muscle fibers, & to some extent a little increase in the number of fibers. Not only the muscles enlarged but also their capabilities of both anaerobic metabolic system & aerobic metabolic system (specially increase in the maximum oxidation rate & increase in the efficiency of the oxidative metabolic system as much as 45%) are greatly increased. 

Muscle training is equally important for muscle development & muscle strength. It has been established now that muscles that function under no load, even if they are exercised for hours on end, increase little in strength. This shows the importance of resistance muscle training programs. Also it has been proved that for rapid development of strength in muscles they have to contract at more than 50% maximal force of contraction, even if the contractions are performed only a few times each day.

This leads to a useful conclusion- six nearly maximal muscle contractions performed in three sets 3 days a week give approximately optimal increase in muscle strength, without producing chronic muscle fatigue. 

Another point to note is that muscle strength increases about 30% during the first 6 to 8 weeks of resistive training program but almost plateaus after that time. Muscle training is very useful in old age when most of the muscles get atrophied due to sedentary life style, in whose case often more than 100% muscle strength can be achieved.

Another point to discuss is regarding power of muscle contraction which is very different from muscle strength. It is the measure of total amount of work that the muscle performs in a unit period of time, measured in Kg-meters per minute. A person has the capability of extreme power surges for short period of time (a maximum of 7000kg-m/min in the first 8 to 10 seconds), whereas for long-term endurance events, the power output of the muscles is only one fourth (about 1700kg-m/min in the next 30 min, 1.167 min after starting the exercise) as great as the initial power surge. 

But the athletic performance is not four times (actually about 1.75 times greater) during the initial power surge as it is for the next 30 min, this is due to the fact that the efficiency for the translation of muscle power output into athletic performance is often much less during rapid activity than during less rapid but sustained activity. 

The ability of muscles to deliver extreme amounts of power for a few seconds to a min or so depends upon the percentage of ‘fast-twitch muscle fibers’ present in them, which are specially designed for that purpose. For example, the higher preponderance of fast-twitch fibers in gastrocnemius muscle gives it the capability of forceful & rapid contraction of the type used in jumping.

On the other hand, ‘slow-twitch muscle fibers’ are designed to provide endurance, delivering strength of contraction over many minutes to hours; the greater percentage whose presence in soleus muscle makes it suitable for prolonged lower leg activities. 

Genetics inheritance determines the varying percentages of fast-twitch & slow-twitch muscle fibers in the muscles of an individual, & hence to some extent the athletic capabilities of different individuals. This also explains the fact that some types of sports are most suited to some persons, for example some people are born to be marathoners, others jumpers or gymnasts. Unfortunately, athletic training has not been shown to change the relative proportions of the two types of muscle fibers.

Endurance is another measure of muscle performance. Stamina of a healthy player is largely determined by the endurance of his or her muscles. Endurance can be roughly measured by the time a player can sustain the sporting event until complete exhaustion. Endurance depends upon the amount of glycogen that has been stored in the muscle before the period of exercise.

High carbohydrate diet stores maximum amount of glycogen (40g/kg of muscle) in the muscle than other types of diet (high fat diet in contrast stores only 6g/kg of glycogen, being the least). Also high carbohydrate diet makes full recovery of exhausted muscle glycogen in about 2 days (48hours), in contrast players on high fat, high protein diet or on no food al all show very little recovery even after as long as 5 days.

These lead us to an important conclusion-Players should have a high-carbohydrate diet before a grueling sportive event, also he/she should not participate in another exhaustive exercise or sportive event during 48 hours preceding the previous event.

Muscles require energy constantly not only for contraction (a muscle can shorten up to a maximum of 30 % of its total length during contraction) but also for relaxation, in the form of ATP (Adenosine triphosphate). ATP is supplied to muscles by-stored ATP in muscle itself, Phosphocreatine-creatine system, which can reconstitute the stored muscle ATP (together called phosphagen system); Glycogen-lactic acid system, having the ability to reconstitute phosphagen system & the last, Aerobic System which can provide enough energy to reconstitute all the above system. 

The phosphagen system can provide upto 4 moles of ATP per minute & can provide maximal muscle power for 8 to 10 seconds ;i,e; used by the muscle for power surges of a few seconds. Glycogen-lactic acid system generates 2.5 moles of ATP per minute & can provide 1.3 to 1.6 minutes of maximal muscle activity but the muscle power is somewhat reduced. 

The aerobic system (concerns with oxidation of foodstuffs-glucose, fatty acids & amino acids-to provide energy) on the other hand generates only 1 mole of ATP per minute, but can provide maximal muscle activity for unlimited time (as long as the nutrients last), & hence is required for prolonged athletic activity. 

Most of the combat sports sparring including boxing utilize both Glycogen-lactic & aerobic systems, whereas the performing competition like for kata in karate or poomse in Taekwondo mainly uses Phosphagen & glycogen-lactic acid systems. 

The stored glycogen is metabolized in two steps-1st step with no oxygen requiring & generating energy (4 ATP for each glycogen) & 2 pyruvic acid molecules for each glycogen-this is anaerobic glycolysis; 2nd step with with the oxidation of pyruvic acids in the mitochondria of muscle fibers & release of large sum of energy.When there is insufficient oxygen in this 2nd step, most of the pyruvic acid of the 1st step is converted in to lactic acid (this constitutes the Glycogen-Lactic acid system). 

Also when large amount of ATP are needed for relatively short to moderate periods of muscle contraction, this anaerobic glycolysis is used as it provides ATP 2.5 times faster than the oxidative mechanism of the mitochondria (as we know for rapid muscle contraction Phosphagen system is used which can provide ATP twice as fast as the Glycogen-lactic acid system). The use of this anaerobic system means generation of large amount of lactic acid which can cause extreme fatigue. 

Our body contains about 2.05 liters of stored oxygen which can to be used for aerobic metabolism even without breathing any new oxygen. This stored oxygen is used up within a minute or so in heavy exercise, also it takes a few times for the circulation to deliver the extra oxygen required by the working muscles. 

During this period of non availability of oxygen, ATP is primarily produced by anaerobic mechanisms (phosphagen & lactic acid system). This causes oxygen-deficit at the beginning of exercise. This oxygen deficit is repaid after the stoppage of exercise in the form of oxygen-dept which is approx.11.5liters (2.05 liters for the storing of oxygen in the body+9.45 liters to reconstitute phosphagen & lactic acid system) & hence even after the exercise is over, the oxygen uptake still remains above normal, at high level for the 1st 4 min & at a lower level for another 52 minutes.

Physical performance or fitness is inversely related to the oxygen-deficit, & physical training & warm up decreases the oxygen-deficit; therefore warm up & physical training increases physical performance & fitness. Also when adequate amounts of energy are available from oxidative metabolism, a large portion of the lactic acid is converted into glucose mainly in liver which replenish the glycogen stores of the muscles; the remaining lactic acid is converted back into pyruvic acid & oxidized to release energy.

]]>

Warm up is very important & is essential part of every sportive event. Warm up effects:

(a) Increase the blood flow & nutrients to working muscles.

(b) Increase level of mitochondrial enzymes & energy stores causing lesser use of anaerobic work.

(c)Prevents heart damage during 1st few seconds of heavy exercise; otherwise there will be inadequate blood flow to the heart.

(d) Prevents muscular or connective tissue injuries. 

Physical training is, as discussed above, one of the most important determinant of athletic performance & fitness. Physical training effects:

(a) Improvement in psychology of the athlete, & the decrease in psychic stimuli to vasomotor & respiratory centers.

(b) Cardio-respiratory response reaches a steady-state early with optimal blood flow distribution.

(c) Greater fats are used for energy, sparing glycogen, which lead to increase endurance of the athlete as physical performance is a direct function of the glycogen stores. 
This is due to the decrease in respiratory quotient, RQ, which is the ratio of the volume of carbon dioxide produced by the volume of oxygen consumed during a given time, because of the aerobic training (RQ for 100% fats utilization is 0.7 as compared to 0.83 for proteins & 1 for carbohydrates).

(d) Higher Vo2max.(explained later)can be achieved. This is due to increase in maximal cardiac output; increase in arteriovenous oxygen concentration difference; decrease of peripheral resistance & less increase in both systolic & diastolic blood pressure; less increase in pulmonary ventilation & less stimulation of respiratory centre; & lastly more increase in diffusion capacity of lungs for oxygen due to increase pulmonary capillary density.

In addition to stored glycogen, muscles also utilize glucose from blood (released from stored glycogen in liver) as source of energy. These two are the energy nutrients of choice for intense muscle activity. This also explains the usefulness of glucose solutions given to players during the sportive events which provide as much as 30-40 % of the energy required during the events.

Apart from carbohydrate energy source, muscles also use other source of energy. Muscles use large amounts of fat for energy in the form of fatty acids & acetoacetic acid; they also use to a much extent proteins in the form of amino acids.

Most of the energy of muscles is derived from carbohydrates during the 1st few seconds or minutes of the exercise, but at the time of exhaustion, as much as 60 to 85 % of the energy is derived from fats. Also, the glycogen stores of the muscles become totally depleted in those endurance sportive events that last longer than 4 to 5 hours, & hence fat supplies more than 50 % of the required energy after about the 1st 3 to 4 hours of a long term endurance events.

Respiratory physiology in exercise

Respiratory ability is very important for the maximal performance in endurance sportive events. 

The oxygen consumption & total pulmonary ventilation has a linear relationship with levels of exercise. Both can increase, in a well trained person, in maximal intensity of exercise to 20 times the value at resting state. Physical training is important as oxygen consumption under maximal conditions in a well trained person can be increased to 1.4-2 times the highest for an untrained average person. 

The intense ventilation during exercise results mainly from neurogenic signals transmitted directly into the brain stem respiratory center as a collateral impulse when the brain is transmitting motor impulse to the exercising muscles (much like the stimulation of the vasomotor center in the brain stem during exercise causes a simultaneous rise in blood pressure),& partly form sensory signals from contracting muscles & moving joints. 

This neurogenic anticipatory stimulation of the respiration at the onset of exercise, even before it is needed, is used to supply the extra oxygen required for the exercise & also to blows off extra carbon dioxide. The chemical factor & the thermal factor do the required fine adjustment in the respiration initiated by the neurogenic factor to keep the oxygen, carbon dioxide, pH of body fluids as normal as possible. 

This neurogenic factor is now shown be partly a learned response; i.e; with repeated periods of exercise, the brain becomes progressively more able to provide the proper signal to keep the Pco2 in body fluids (direct function of amount of carbon dioxide) etc at its normal levels. 

This again shows the importance of physical & breathing training. One important thing is that the maximal breathing capacity (voluntary) is about 50% greater than the actual pulmonary ventilation during maximal exercise. This means that respiratory system is not normally the limiting factor in delivery of oxygen to the exercising muscles. 

The rate of oxygen utilization under maximal aerobic metabolism (Vo2max) increases only 10 ter short term athletic training, but may increases more after years of training.Vo2max on the other hand is largely determined genetically-people with grater chest sizes in relation to body size, & stronger respiratory muscles have more Vo2max, & hence such person are more successful as marathoners etc. 

The oxygen diffusing capacity of lungs increases above 3 times during maximal exercise. The maximum diffusing capacity of a trained person is almost 2 times that of a nonathlete during maximal exercise. This lays the importance of physical training, specially the endurance training. Genetics is also an important determining factor of maximal oxygen diffusing capacity.

Cardiovascular Physiology in Exercise

Exercise causes activation of sympathetic system & secretion of large amounts of epinephrine & norepinephrin from the medullae of the two adrenal glands, along with release of stress hormones. Theses lead to vasoconstrictor response of the peripheral circulatory system-both arterioles (increase blood pressure) & capacitative areas of circulation including veins (increase the venous return to heart), & also the heart itself is stimulated (heart rate increases, the pumping strength increases etc.). 

Due to poor vasoconstrictor innervations the coronary (instead during maximal exercise, coronal blood flow increases by 5 times with 100% coefficient of oxygen utilization) & cerebral systems (no change in cerebral blood flow during any grade of exercise) are spared. 

In exercising muscles, however, there is vasodilatation of arterioles due to local chemical changes .Reduction in oxygen is the most important cause- the arterioles walls cannot maintain contraction in absence of oxygen & release of many vasodilators. These are adenosine (most important), potassium ions, ATP, lactic acid & carbon dioxide etc. They cause about 12.5 increases in muscles blood flow during strenuous exercise. 

The moderate rise in arterial blood pressure (usually about 30%) & many other factors (like opening up of dormant capillaries which delivers 2-3times more oxygen & nutrients to exercising muscles) occurring during exercise cause another 12.5 increase in muscles blood flow. But during the muscles contraction phase of exercise, blood flow decreases as intramuscular blood vessels are compressed. This explains the rapid muscle fatigue develops during strong tonic muscle contractions due to lack of enough oxygen & nutrients. 

Muscle work output, oxygen consumption & cardiac output during exercise are linearly related to one other; i.e; the muscle work output increases oxygen consumption, which in turn dilates the muscle blood vessels, thus increasing the venous return & cardiac output. Physical training can increases the maximal cardiac output in well trained athlete about 1.3-2 times that of an untrained person during exercises, & almost 5.4 times the cardiac output at rest. This is due to the effect of training & exercise on the heart muscles. 

In a trained persons heart chambers may enlarge up to 40 %, also the heart mass up to 40% or more. The heart-pumping effectiveness of each heart beat (stroke volume- the amount of blood pumped by each ventricle of the heart per beat) is also 40-50% greater in the highly trained athlete than in a normal person. 

Important point to be noted is that heart enlargement & increase in pumping capacity occur entirely in endurance types, not in the sprint types of physical training. Another important point is that though the heart of an athlete is considerable larger than that of a normal person, resting cardiac output (the amount of blood pumped out by each ventricle into the circulation per minute) is almost the same. This is possible only when there is corresponding decrease in the heart rate of trained athlete at rest (as Cardiac output = Stroke volume multiply heart rate). 

Stroke volume can be increased twice the normal value during exercise. The stroke volume normally reaches its maximum by the time the cardiac output has increase only halfway to its maximum (Cardiac output can be increased to 5-6 times-approx.25-36 liters/min- during maximum exercise).For further increase in cardiac output, the heart rate must increase correspondingly (heart rate increase linearly with increase in physical effort. 

Heart rate during exercise can be used to roughly grade exercise: Grade I/light or mild exercise-below 100/min; Grade II/moderate-100to125/min; Grade III/heavy-125to150/min; Grade IV/very heavy or severe-above 150/min heart rate. Maximum heart rate attainable during exercise is 220 minus age (in years), therefore higher values of maximum cardiac output can be achieved in younger athletes compared to older ones). Hence the increase in heart rate accounts by far for a greater proportion of the increase in cardiac output than does the increase in stroke volume during strenuous exercise. 

During maximal exercise, both the heart rate & the stroke volume are increased to about 95% of their maximal levels, this means cardiac output is increased to 90 % of the maximum that a person can attend. On the other hand, as discussed above, pulmonary ventilation is increased to about 65% of the maximum. 

This leads to the conclusion that cardiovascular system is the one, rather respiratory system, that limits Vo2max., as oxygen utilization by the body can never be more than the rate at which the cardiovascular system can transport oxygen to the tissues. 

Hence athletic performance mainly depends upon the performance capability of his/her heart. And training, as we have discussed above, increases the performance capability of one heart (for example ability to achieve 40% greater cardiac output in trained athlete over the average untrained male) to an optimal level. 

Due to generalized vasoconstriction as discussed earlier during exercise many visceral blood flow decreases, specially during severe exercise, which may damage the system. Athletic pseudonephritis is a condition characterizes presence of proteins, cells & other abnormal substances in urine due to prolonged, heavy exercise.

Body thermal physiology in exercise

The maximal efficiency for conversion of nutrient energy into muscle work is only about 20-25%, remaining 80-75% is lost as heat energy. Also almost all the energy (20-25%) that goes into creating muscle work still becomes body heat because all but a small portion of this energy is used to overcome viscous resistance to the movement of the muscles & joints, & also to overcome the friction of the blood flowing through the blood vessels etc. 

The amount of heat liberated in the body is almost proportional to the oxygen consumption, & as we know that in a well trained athlete, the amount of oxygen consumption can increase almost up to 20 times, the heat generated is tremendous performing endurance sportive events. Also during severe exercise the blood flow in skin is also decreased due to severe vasoconstriction. This coupled with hot & humid weather or excess clothing the body temperature can easily rise to 41-42 degree Celsius, in spite of the sweating mechanism. 

The stoppage of the exercise itself at this level, does not easily decline the temperature itself, due to failure of temperature-regulating system & liberation of still more heat caused by the very high body temperature doubling of all the intracellular chemical reactions. 

This much elevated temperature becomes destructive to body tissues & cells, specially the brain cells- leading to multiples symptoms: extreme weakness, headache, exhaustion, dizziness, nausea, profuse sweating, confusion, staggering gait, collapse & unconsciousness. This whole complex is called heatstoke & if not treated immediately can lead to death. 

At this stage body temperature should be tried to reduce as rapidly as possible. Remove all the clothing, spay cold water on all the surfaces of the body or continually sponge the body with cold water & blow air over the body with a fan. Instead the body can be immersed totally in water containing a mush of crushed ice.

 

Physiology of Body fluids & salts in exercise

Normally the daily output of water is about 2.3 liters & we should ingest fluid more than 2.1 liters per day (700ml, approx. 2.8glasses of water, as water in cooking; & more than 1.4 liters as the fluid by mouth as water & beverages, approx.> 5.6glasses of water). In prolonged & heavy exercise, the daily output of water increases more than 2.87 times, & therefore the fluid ingested should be more than 3.05 times the normal value (more than 5.7 liters of fluid by mouth as water & beverages, approx. > 22.8glasses of water). 

During heavy exercise or in very hot weather, water loss in sweat may increase to 1-2 liters per hour or almost 50 times normal value per day. Similarly, in prolonged & heavy exercise, insensible water lost through lungs increases almost 2 times that of the normal value per day. All of this will rapidly deplete the body fluids unless adequately taken. 

More than 70% of body weight (some say-60% of body weight is total body water) is because of the water it has. Loss of water upto 10% of the total body water, makes a person feel extremely tired & fatigued. A more than 20% loss may result in death. As much as 2.268 to 4.538kg weight loss has been recorded in athletes in a period of one hour during endurance athletic events under hot & humid conditions. 

This mainly results from loss of sweat. Loss of enough sweat to decrease body weight only 3% can significantly diminish a person’s performance, & a 5 to 10% rapid decrease in weight can often lead to serious muscle cramps, nausea etc. Hence it is essential to replace fluids as it is lost. 

Sweat contains large amount of sodium chloride, some urea & lactic acid. So, considerable amount of salt is lost through sweating. The sweat glands, however, become acclimatized when an athlete becomes acclimatized to the heat by progressive increase in athletic exposure over a period of 1 to 2 weeks rather than performing maximal athletic feats on the first day (acclimatization to heat: the various physiological readjustments & compensatory mechanisms in the body that reduces the bad effects of prolonged heat exposure). 

This acclimatization of sweat glands results mainly due to increase secretion of aldosterone by the adrenal cortex. The aldosterone increases the reabsorption of sodium chloride from the sweat & urine, & loss of potassium through sweat & urine. 

This leads to an important conclusion-(a) Salt supplementation should be there for all athletes performing exercise on hot & humid days, but once the athletes are acclimatized, only rarely do the salt supplementation need to be considered during the sporting events. Hence there may at many a times be over dose of this salt supplementation which is equally harmful. (b) Some of the supplemental fluids of athletics should also contain proportioned amounts of potassium along with sodium, usually in the form of fruits juices & coconut water etc.

Basic Sport Pharmacology

(a)Caffeine (found in coffee) is said to increase athletic performance, but reliable data are lacking.

(b)Androgens/male sex hormones or any other anabolic steroids. They can increase muscle strength & increase athletic performance. These are banned drugs in sports. They causes hypertension, promote heart attacks & strokes. External male sex hormone preparation decreases testicular function, may lead to infertility & decreases the secretion of the person own hormone. In females, musculinization can take place-hirsutism, bass voice, ruddy skin, cessation of menses, infertility etc. 

(c)Others drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine (a narcotic drug) etc have been said to increase one’s athletic performance, mainly due to psychic stimulant. The overuse can lead to deterioration of performance. Such drugs may interact with the epinephrine & norepinephrine (catecholamines) released during exercise, & may cause over excitability of the heart, leading to ventricular fibrillation which may lead to the death of athletes within seconds. 

(d)Nicotine, present in tobacco smoking, is widely regarded as one of the biggest enemy of an athlete. It causes constriction of the terminals bronchioles of the lungs, increasing the airflow into & out of them. Nicotine paralyzes the cilia on the surfaces of the respiratory epithelial cells that normally beat continuously to remove excess fluids & foreign particles from the respiratory passageways, resulting in much accumulation of debris in the air-passages adding further difficulty of breathing. The irritating effects of the smoke itself cause increase fluid secretion into the bronchial tree, as well as swelling of the epithelial linings. All of these mean that mean that even a light smoker will feel respiratory strain during maximal exercise, reducing his/her performance significantly. 

(e)Alcohol is a neuronal depressant. Any measurable concentration of alcohol produces a measurable slowing of reflexes- performance is impaired, fine discrimination & precise movements are obliterated & errors increases. Chronic alcoholism damages brain neurons.

In small doses, BP is not affected much, but moderate doses may cause mild rise in BP due to increase muscular activity & sympathetic stimulation & also causing tachycardia. This may interact with the exercise induced rise in catecholamines & may produce dangerous results. 

In large doses, alcohol causes direct myocardial & vasomotor center depressant with fall in BP. Chronic alcoholism causes hypertension, cardiomyopathy & cardiac arrhythmias, & megaloblastic anaemia etc. Alcohol is a depressant on respiratory centre, but may transiently stimulate respiration reflexly due to its mucosal irritating nature. Chronic alcoholism also causes muscles weakness & myopathy, & its high doses depress temperature regulating center & deplete hepatic glycogen causing hypoglyceamia.All these mean alcohol should be avoided, specially by competiting athletes & sport persons.

Prolongation of life is possible through sport & fitness

Mortality is shown to be 3 times less among people who maintain appropriate body fitness, using judicious regimes of exercise & weight control, specially between the ages of 50 & 70. These may be due to the cardiovascular protective effect of body fitness: maintenance of moderately lowered blood pressure, & reduced blood cholesterol & decrease ratio of LDL (enemy lipoprotein) to HDL (protective or friendly lipoprotein). 

Another important point is that athletically fit person has more bodily reserves to call on when he or she does become sick. For example an athletically fit old man has twice as much as respiratory reserve (ability to increase oxygen delivery to the tissues in times of need)as a non fit old man, & 50% greater cardiac reserve (ability to increase cardiac output in times of need) than in a non fit old man. 

Hence, understanding exercise physiology & the scientific data thus collected has been used to improve the performance of athletes, sportsmen & military personnel. 

The knowledge of this field also helps a physician in many ways- aiding the diagnosis of heart & lung diseases; pre- & post-operated assessment of cardio-thoracic surgical patients; rehabilitation of cardiac invalids; & screening workers for disability compensation etc. 

For players & coaches also, the basic understanding of sport & exercise physiology will definitely help increase their efficiency & performance.

Compiled & written by:

Dr.HanjabamCha Barun,

Martial artist & Thang Ta practitioner,

NS NIS, Patiala, Punjab, India,

sports medicine student,

Email:dr.barun.hanjabam@gmail.com

 

Dr.HanjabamCha Barun,

Martial artist & Thang Ta practitioner,

NS NIS, Patiala, Punjab, India,

sports medicine student,

Email:dr.barun.hanjabam@gmail.com


Article from articlesbase.com

More Why Exercise Articles

StarTrac 1800 Treadmill Walking Belt

StarTrac 1800 Treadmill Walking Belt

  • 1 year warranty
  • high quality walking belt

A durable walking belt of the highest quality, it has an exceptional one year warranty. Its pre-lubed, with an additional tube of lube for suggested use at 6-8 months after installation. Unlike some factory belts, a Treadmill Doctor replacement walking belt doesnt have a foul smell!

List Price: $ 169.99

Price: $ 169.99

LifeFitness 9500HR Treadmill Walking Belt For Serial Numbers: 313516-313566 & 313976-UP

LifeFitness 9500HR Treadmill Walking Belt For Serial Numbers: 313516-313566 & 313976-UP

  • 1 year warranty
  • high quality walking belt

A durable walking belt of the highest quality, it has an exceptional one year warranty. Its pre-lubed, with an additional tube of lube for suggested use at 6-8 months after installation. Unlike some factory belts, a Treadmill Doctor replacement walking belt doesnt have a foul smell!

List Price: $ 169.99

Price: $ 169.99

Used Drive Motor fits Life Fitness Treadmills 95T
US $149.99
End Date: Tuesday Feb-14-2012 12:25:29 PST
Buy It Now for only: US $149.99
Buy it now | Add to watch list
Life Fitness 95Ti Treadmills with new running belts/ Call for shipping
US $1,595.00
End Date: Wednesday Feb-15-2012 13:18:14 PST
Buy It Now for only: US $1,595.00
Buy it now | Add to watch list

Freespirit 813 Treadmill Walking Belt For Model Number: WCTL84060

Freespirit 813 Treadmill Walking Belt For Model Number: WCTL84060

A durable walking belt of the highest quality, it has an exceptional one year warranty. Its pre-lubed, with an additional tube of lube for suggested use at 6-8 months after installation. Unlike some factory belts, a Treadmill Doctor replacement walking belt doesnt have a foul smell!

List Price: $ 89.99

Price: $ 89.99

Used Rear Roller fits Spirit Fitness 21.25 x 1.75 Treadmills
US $29.99
End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 15:38:28 PST
Buy It Now for only: US $29.99
Buy it now | Add to watch list
Spirit Fitness XT385 Treadmill
US $800.00 (0 Bid)
End Date: Wednesday Feb-08-2012 7:32:19 PST
Bid now | Add to watch list

Advantages of Daily Exercise

Advantages of Daily Exercise

Regular exercise is best habit to get addicted too. It is the only habit that proves to be beneficial when you get addicted to it. A person who indulge in the daily exercise is noted to be the healthier than others who never indulge in any workout regime. The complete health status can be improved through the daily exercise. Many people think daily exercise as mere physical activity, but remember that along with the physical improvement you will even notice the improvement in your mental health status by doing the exercise daily. There are numerous advantages of daily exercise which are as follows:

1. Daily exercise improves the immune system of the person. The resistance power of the person who indulges in the daily exercise is being noted to be at its best. The production of the antibodies is being boosted due to the daily exercise. Whoever does daily exercise very rarely falls ill. So, if you are always falling ill or getting infected with some infections then you must surely join a gym and start daily exercise under the guidance of the health expert.

2. Cardiovascular health problems are found to be in very less percentage in the people who engage in daily exercise regime. There are special types of the exercises meant for the people who are suffering with the heart problems. These exercises are known as cardio exercises. It has been noted that the people who did the cardiovascular exercises very rarely or never face the heart problems.

]]>

3. Blood circulation is being improved due to the daily exercise. The problems that you face due to the improper blood circulation are being resolved through the daily exercise. During the daily exercise session the arteries and veins that open up and this makes the blood to flow to all body parts in a proper way. Proper blood circulation gives you good stamina and energy. It also maintains the regular heart rate and helps you to overcome the problems like shortness of breath.

4. If you are suffering with the diabetes then daily exercise session can help the person to control the sugar levels. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be controlled with the help of the daily exercise. Daily exercise reduces the excessive amount of the sugars in the body and boosts the production of the insulin. The daily exercise regime helps the diabetic person to stay away from the other health hazards caused due to the diabetes. Diabetes person are advised to consult the exercise trainer in the gymnasium because there are some special exercise given for the diabetic patients.

5. Obesity can be cured with the help of the daily exercise regime. Basically the obesity is caused due to the two major reasons, excessive weight gain and lack of physical activity. Very important role daily exercise routine plays in helping the person to overcome obesity. Firstly it controls the excessive weight gain taking place in the obese person and then it starts declining the weight of the person. Whatever may be the reason for the obesity, you can certainly help the person to lose the extra pounds to get back in shape.

6. Arthritis and osteoarthritis problems can be resolved through the daily exercise. You need to do the special exercises for this. You need to consult the physiotherapist for getting the ideas about exercises used to cure arthritis and osteoarthritis. By regularly doing these exercises you will certainly get the relief from the pain due to the arthritis and osteoarthritis.

These are the advantages of the daily exercise. Exercise is the simplest mantra for improving the complete health status of the person.

Hi I am Steve Marshal Caldwell. I work as an associate editor. I am committed to provide visitors with complete information on Men’s Health Medicines and Sexual Health Drugs.


Article from articlesbase.com

More Daily Exercise Articles

90″ X 43″ X ~5/8″ Thick Black & Gray Treadmill Mat w/ Edging: Equipment Floor Protection Mats

90″ X 43″ X ~5/8″ Thick Black & Gray Treadmill Mat w/ Edging: Equipment Floor Protection Mats

  • 11 interlocking foam mats in black and 10 in gray (covers 21 square feet).
  • 12 sides and 8 corner edges in black and white for visibility.
  • Each mat measures 12″ x 12″ (inches) and ~5/8″ of an inch thick. This set is designed for 3′ x 7′ (feet) area which fits standard treadmills.
  • Made from non-recycled, non-toxic, light weight, durable, and high density EVA foam. High quality: extremely durable and does not easily tear.
  • Quiet, safe, soft, durable and easy to clean. Mats last up to 5 years under proper use.

Wonder Mats can be utilized to protect wood floors. No longer worry about scratches on your wood floor. Our mats can be customized to fit any size treadmills! All treadmill sets comes with side and corner edges to prevent tripping and to give the mats a finishing touch.

List Price: $ 59.99

Price: $ 45.00

Confidence Fitness Space Saving X Bike Reviews

Confidence Fitness Space Saving X Bike

  • Stowaway exercise bike with folding frame for easy storage
  • Adjustable magnetic resistance system and nonskid foot pedals with straps
  • 4-function computer tracks your riding time, speed, distance, and calories
  • Adjustable padded seat; workouts burn 4 times the calories as walking
  • Measures 17.5 x 53 x 22 inches (W x H x D) when folded; weighs 50 pounds

Need a good exercise bike but don’t have the space to store a commercial-size model? Turn to the Confidence stow-away exercise bike, which folds compactly after use for storage in a closet or corner of your home. Despite its small size, the bike still offers an efficient lower-body cardio workout, with such features as an adjustable magnetic resistance system and nonskid foot pedals. Overall, each workout on the stowaway bike burns four times as many calories as walking. In addition, the bike includes a four-function computer that tracks your riding time, speed, distance, and calories. And thanks to the high-quality frame, the bike will keep you fit for years to come. Other features include an adjustable padded seat, safety straps on the pedals, and a tool kit with all the necessary tools for home assembly. The stowaway bike measures 17.5 by 53 by 22 inches (W x H x D) when folded, 17.5 by 46 by 33 inches when unfolded, and weighs 50 pounds.Need a good exercise bike but don’t have the space to store a commercial-size model? Turn to the Confidence stow-away exercise bike, which folds compactly after use for storage in a closet or corner of your home. Despite its small size, the bike still offers an efficient lower-body cardio workout, with such features as an adjustable magnetic resistance system and nonskid foot pedals. Overall, each workout on the stowaway bike burns four times as many calories as walking. In addition, the bike includes a four-function computer that tracks your riding time, speed, distance, and calories. And thanks to the high-quality frame, the bike will keep you fit for years to come. Other features include an adjustable padded seat, safety straps on the pedals, and a tool kit with all the necessary tools for home assembly. The stowaway bike measures 17.5 by 53 by 22 inches (W x H x D) when folded, 17.5 by 46 by 33 inches when unfolded, and weighs 50 pounds.

List Price: $ 250.00

Price: $ 138.50

Epic Treadmills Garner Great Reviews

Epic Treadmills Garner Great Reviews

Article by Christopher W. Smith

Icon Fitness, the largest manufacturer of treadmill equipment in the world, makes a full line of quality Epic Treadmills with the consumer in mind. You may recognize the Icon name, because they are also the manufacturer of NordicTrack, ProForm, Reebok, Weslo, and Image equipment. With the reputation of these quality fitness products, you know you can’t go wrong when purchasing an Epic treadmill. If you still aren’t convinced, you can go online and read some of the glowing reviews that have been written by satisfied customers. All of these people can’t be wrong!

One of the greatest features about an Epic treadmill is that, because Icon is such a huge enterprise and manufactures treadmills on an enormous scale, their products can be very competitively priced. In both 2008 and 2009, Epic treadmills were given “Best Buy” ratings by a prominent consumer review magazine. The magazine rated the treadmills based on ergonomics, ease of use, and exercise range, and Epic scored excellent ratings in each category. To get the kind of quality that the Epic name promises at such reasonable prices is truly amazing.

Take, for example, the Epic View 550 treadmill. You would expect to pay as much as 00 for comparable treadmills with 3.0 HP motors and 60″ long treadbelts, but the Epic 550 will only run you around 00. This model also includes a built-in flat screen TV to provide you with something interesting to do while you’re working out as well as a great sound system. If you order your treadmill directly from http://www.EpicFit.com you will be given free shipping, depending on the model you order. It would be difficult to find a better deal on a high-quality treadmill anywhere.

Epic treadmill reviews are extremely favorable on all counts. One reviewer who visited the Epic treadmill manufacturing plant was impressed with the rigid testing the equipment is subjected to as well as the fact that high-quality parts, such as MacMillan engines, are used in the fabrication. Reviewers state that although Icon Fitness had a reputation for poor quality equipment several years ago, they have truly turned their image around. Reviewers do recommend that you compare Epic, NordicTrack, and ProForm models since all of them are made up of variations of the same parts.

About the Author

Before you buy a treadmill, get the facts – visit TopTreadmillRatings.com for more tips on benefits of treadmill exercises and childrens fitness equipment and make a more informed decision.

Smooth Fitness 9.35HR Treadmill Reviews

Smooth Fitness 9.35HR Treadmill

  • Motion Control hands-free speed control system
  • Hydra-Suspension system features adjustable cushioning
  • Commercial Grade Triple-Laminated Phenolic Deck
  • Wireless Heart Rate Control
  • Music System with Speakers & Mp3 connection

Sturdy treadmill providing a superior blend of quality & value The Smooth 9.35HR Treadmill offers top-notch key features that include a motion control hands-free speed adjustment system, a hydra-suspension system with adjustable cushioning and a 20″ x 55″ running surface. Motion Control Hands-Free Speed Control System – When you’re focused on sculpting your body, you don’t need any distractions. With this technology, you can speed up or slow down the 9.35HR treadmill with the wave of a hand. Industry Leading Warranty – Your Smooth 9.35HR Treadmill is backed by a Lifetime warranty on the frame & motor, 7 years on all parts & electronics and 2 years in home labor! Music System with Speakers & Mp3 Compatible – Enjoy a built in music system with speakers and MP3 compatibility to help you stay motivated as your favorite music blazes out of the console. Motion Control hands-free speed control system – Adjust speed with the simple wave of your hand. Speed up, slow down or stop the 9.35HR treadmill without ever touching the console. Hydra-Suspension system features adjustable cushioning – Available only from Smooth Fitness, the hydra-suspension system features adjustable cushioning allowing you to custom adjust the shock absorption to the 12 different levels that can accommodate any style of running. No serious runner should have a treadmill without this amazing technology. Commercial Grade Triple-Laminated Phenolic Deck – Triple-laminated with a phenolic resin, the reversible deck on the Smooth 9.35HR treadmill will last a lifetime. Wireless Heart Rate Control – The Smooth 9.35HR treadmill comeS standard with a Polar wireless chest belt transmitter and built in receiver which will control the function of the treadmill based on your target heart rate setting. Music System with Speakers & Mp3 connection – You will be energized as you workout to the latest music on your Smooth 9.35HR treadmill.

List Price: $ 2,947.00

Price: $ 1,799.00

NEW Professional Sole Fitness F83 Folding Whisper Deck Treadmill
US $1,699.00
End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:21:54 PST
Buy It Now for only: US $1,699.00
Buy it now | Add to watch list
Sole TT8 Treadmill (2011 Model) - MSRP $2,999
US $1,999.95
End Date: Sunday Feb-05-2012 8:49:27 PST
Buy It Now for only: US $1,999.95
Buy it now | Add to watch list

How well does “Flirty Girl Fitness” work? Is there a scam alert I should beware of?

Question by Cara: How well does “Flirty Girl Fitness” work? Is there a scam alert I should beware of?
I was interested in ordering the “Flirty Girl Fitness” DVD’s and pole for a fitness exercise. And just to be on the safe side, I was looking at reviews for the flirty girl fitness, to see what others thought of the product. Of course everything has good reviews and bad reviews, but for this specific product, I was very unsure. There were reviews saying it was great. And then there were reviews saying the DVDs won’t teach you anything and that the fitness instructors on there weren’t any good. But, we all have different opinions. What made me rethink this was the fact that there were a ton of reviews saying things about the company, and how they are getting ripped off, and charged monthly, or their order isn’t coming in, even after months. Apparently they send new things monthly (not notified) and just automatically charge you for it. And that’s not something I would want to deal with. Some were saying they were (without their consent) signed up for some “continuity” program. And being that it’s a pretty pricey workout, I don’t want to order it and have wasted money on some sort of scam. Is “Flirty Girl Fitness” something shouldn’t waste my money on (because of scams)? My real question is, has anyone ordered it and had this problem, or even no problems at all? I am greatly appreciated for a helpful answer. (:

Best answer:

Answer by Richard
I am not a girl, much less a “flirty girl” but have seen the commercials on TV.

Basically almost any exercise program will help as long as you do the work. A lot of that is how appealing the exercise is to you. If that sort of thing would appeal to you then you might stay with it and get some results.

Like all else, nothing works if you don’t.

Give your answer to this question below!