Developing Cardiorespiratory Endurance

Regular aerobic exercise results in an improvement in aerobic fitness along with many associated health benefits. Consistent exercise reduces the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. It is valuable in the long-term control of body weight and in maintaining physical capability during aging.  Additionally, many individuals experience an increase in mental functioning, greater daily energy levels, improved emotional state and ability to handle stress, and a more positive outlook about life.  The purpose of this lesson is to discuss exercise training as a means of developing  the cardiorespiratory component of fitness.

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Use the resources linked above in order to answer the following questions (which are the objectives to be mastered in this lesson):

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1. Discuss the benefits of developing cardiorespiratory (aerobic) fitness.

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2. Explain the role of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems during exercise.

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3. Define VO2max, ventilation, stroke volume, heart rate, and other terms associated with aerobic exercise training.

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4. Identify the major cardiorespiratory changes resulting from participation in an aerobic exercise program.

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5. Discuss the general components of an exercise prescription designed to increase aerobic fitness.

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6. Calculate proper training intensity for aerobic training using both heart rate and rating of perceived exertion (RPE).

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7. Design an aerobic exercise program for yourself.

  

Assignment: 

1. After studying this lesson and related resources, design a 1-2 page exercise program for yourself or a parent. E-mail it to the instructor in MS Word format.

2. Scan the major news websites for health/wellness articles related to the subject of this chapter and write a brief report on one of them. Your report should be about 1/2 page for each news story. E-mail them to the instructor in MS Word format. Some of the major sites include http://www.usatoday.com     http://www.msnbc.com     http://www.cnn.com  and others of your choice.

3. Briefly, but completely answer the objectives listed above in written form (typed or hand-written). You do not have to answer the last objective--it is included in assignment 1.

4. Begin scanning the CD that came with the text for information related to this chapter. This assignment does not have to be turned in.