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Medicine LibreTexts

1: Fitness Principles

  • Page ID
    151504
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    By Scott Flynn

    Learning Objectives
    • Describe the origins of exercise
    • Define physical activity and exercise
    • Discuss principles of adaptation to stress
    • Provide guidelines for creating a successful fitness program
    • Identify safety concerns

    • 1.1: Exercise- Not a Passing Fad
      This page outlines the historical significance of physical activity, tracing its evolution from a necessity in Paleolithic times to a recognized essential for health and wellness, influenced by figures like Herodicus and Hippocrates. It highlights the societal value of exercise, exemplified by cultural games, and emphasizes that regular physical activity is crucial for physical health, emotional wellbeing, and lowering chronic disease risks.
    • 1.2: What are Physical Activity and Exercise?
      Physical activity is defined as any movement carried out by skeletal muscle that requires energy and is focused on building health. Health benefits include improved blood pressure, blood-lipid profile, and heart health.
    • 1.3: Principles of Adaptation to Stress
      The human body adapts well when exposed to stress. The term stress, within the context of exercise, is defined as an exertion above the normal, everyday functioning.
    • 1.4: Additional Safety Concerns
      As activity rates among Americans increase, specifically outdoor activities, safety concerns also rise. Unfortunately, the physical infrastructure of many American cities does not accommodate active lifestyles.
    • 1.5: References-
      This page outlines critical references on physical activity, exercise, and health statistics, emphasizing the importance of exercise and guidelines for testing and prescription. It addresses risks of sudden death in athletes and discusses hydration's impact on health, including statistics on heat-related deaths in the U.S. Overall, it highlights the significance of understanding exercise's effects on health and aims to promote safe and informed physical activity practices.


    This page titled 1: Fitness Principles is shared under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Scott Flynn, Jonathan Howard, Lisa Jellum, and Althea Moser (GALILEO Open Learning Materials) via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.