Fitness Tips: Common Fitness Questions & Answers

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

25 Oct 2006 07:10 AM

There are a lot of questions we run into when we're reading fitness materials and exercise suggestions. If you're working with a personal trainer, you may have someone right there who can answer your questions. If you're taking a fitness class or physical education course, the teacher may be able to answer those questions, but for the rest of us - here are a few answers to some common fitness questions.

What do they mean by tighten your abs? Every exercise seems to require that, what's the deal?

When an exercise calls for you to tighten your abs, it is generally asking you to provide support for your core and to stabilize the trunk of the body. This is important when it comes to perfecting your form and maximizing the benefit you receive from the exercise. You will also be giving your abdominal muscles some extra exercise time by releasing and contracting them throughout your workout.

How do rubber bands provide exercise benefits?

The exercise band or rubber band provides you with variable resistance. Throughout the range of motion of the exercise you are performing, the resistance changes. The bands differ from hand weights because when a hand weight says 5 lbs, it means it offers you 5 lbs of resistance at every point in the exercise. Bands are also a great deal easier to throw into a suitcase when you are traveling and they don't actually add a lot of weight to your bag or take up a lot of room.

How does breathing help when I'm stretching or exercising, besides the obvious?

If you've ever noticed that when you're stressed or tense, your muscles all tighten up. This kind of tightness can actually inhibit the stretching process and you could risk tearing ligaments or pulling your muscles. Deep breathing techniques actually help your body to relax. When you are stretching, a deep breath sends a flood of oxygen into your blood and that oxygen goes to your muscles. Stretching should relax your muscles and warm them up. Breathing deeply and slowly helps your stretching achieve maximum effect - and yes, breathing is fundamental to life.

What fitness questions would you like to see answered?

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Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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