Peak Fitness: Is it Possible?
Monday, April 23rd, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
The term peak fitness is usually associated with athletes, however it can also apply to non-athletes. If a person strives to reach peak fitness they must realize that this level can vary drastically from person to person. Regardless of your current fitness level and your personal peak fitness level, the basic steps needed to meet your goals are the same. To reach peak fitness and/or to improve your fitness you need three types of exercises: cardiovascular or aerobic exercise, strength training and flexibility or stretching exercises. All three exercises are needed for a balanced fitness program.
The basic components of a fitness program are the same for everyone regardless of the type of sport you specialize in or if you are preparing for a major sporting event. Although the components are the same to ensure overall fitness, there will be differences between programs to specialize in certain muscle areas, the level of exercise intensity, exercise duration and exercise frequency. These factors will vary depending upon your goals, your current fitness level and personal preference. Designing an effective program to achieve peak fitness often requires professional guidance, from a personal fitness trainer.
Obtaining and maintaining peak fitness is not usually attempted by non-athletes because of the time and commitment required. Peak fitness requires determination and a lot of work. First you need an effective exercise plan, then you need to monitor results and tweak the fitness plan on a regular basis. Exercise programs are more effective initially and then you body adjusts to the exercise and you reach a plateau. In order to obtain additional results, new exercises or changes in intensity or exercise duration are usually needed. There are many ways to adjust an exercise program so that you can break through the plateau, begin seeing results again and move closer to your peak fitness level. Personal fitness trainers and coaches can make this process easier since they know the most effective methods of adjusting your fitness routine to deliver results. Some people reach a plateau and mistakenly think they have reached their peak fitness level.
Peak Fitness Strength Training
To effectively strength train for peak fitness you do not need to build bulky muscles or look like a body builder. Successful strength training will include all major muscle groups and also target specific areas used in your sport or activity. For example, a peak fitness program for a swimmer will differ from that of a tennis player. Your strength training should work with, not against, your main activity to achieve peak fitness.
The strength training portion of you routine may involve using weight machines, free weights or other types of resistance training. Push-ups are an example of a resistance training exercise that does not require the use of weights or other fitness equipment. The amount of resistance used, the types of exercises, the number of repetitions and the number of sets will vary depending upon your specific goals.
Peak Fitness Aerobic Training
The key to achieving your peak cardiovascular fitness level, often involves the quality of the exercises and not the quantity. You need to constantly adjust the intensity of your aerobic workout if you want to reach your peak fitness level. You can include segments of high intensity work in the middle of your cardiovascular exercises, to enhance results without increasing total exercise time. For example, after a ten minute easy warm up you can do two minutes at an 85-90% effort, then slow back down for a minute to allow your heart rate to settle down. Repeat for ten minutes, and then finish with a ten minute cool down. When this pattern becomes easier for you, increase the amount of time you’re exercising at a higher intensity, or decrease the time you’re resting in between. You’ll need to change the intensity of your workouts every four to six weeks to maintain your personal level of peak fitness. Most gyms also have cardiovascular equipment that you can program to provide a random workout, which will add variety to your workout automatically.
Peak Fitness Flexibility Training
Flexibility training will give your body the ability to perform more efficiently as an athlete and is good for overall fitness and increased mobility. Increased flexibility minimizes the risk of injury and also helps the body to recover faster from strenuous training and exercise. Flexibility training keeps your muscles and joints loose and can prevent or alleviate cramping. At a minimum you, should stretch for at least ten minutes after each strength training or cardiovascular exercise session. Some people prefer to stretch after each specific exercise while they are resting between exercises. This can also be effective and is a productive way to utilize waiting time.
Whether you’re a professional athlete, sports enthusiast or working to improve overall fitness you need a fitness program that includes the 3 main exercise components: strength training, aerobic training and flexibility training. Everyone is capable of reaching their peak fitness level if they are willing to do the work, make the commitment and modify their fitness program to enhance results.
To Your Health,
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