Post-Natal Fitness - Testing Yourself

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

01 Dec 2006 02:15 PM

For most of us, when it comes to starting a fitness program, it can be daunting to look at the plethora of information available. Not only do you have to decide on a fitness program, you also have to figure out where to get started. So, let's sit down and figure out how you can decide where you are with a little self-test.

Cardiovascular Exercise

The majority of exercise programs you are going to choose from will include a cardiovascular component. In fact, many personal trainers contend that you can't lose weight or trim unwanted inches without a cardiovascular exercise component.

So how do you test how healthy your lungs and heart are before diving into a cardio program whether it's on a treadmill, a bike, an elliptical machine or just out on the old-fashioned sidewalk with the baby in the stroller. Remember, before beginning any tests like this one, you'll want to get the go ahead from your physician and you want to make sure you attend all of your post-natal visits.

Once you have the go ahead, you can use the following test to find out how healthy your lungs are.

• Briskly Run Up Two Flights Of Stairs
• Walk 6 blocks without stopping

If you can do either of these things without pausing to rest, then your lungs are in good shape and you are ready to begin a cardio program at the beginner level. If you can do either of these things easily, you should be able to move through the beginning levels of your cardio workout to an intermediate level in just a few weeks.

However, if you can't do either of those without pausing to rest, you need to contact your physician and express your concerns. It's important to recognize that when you have decreased lung function is that exercise over a short period of time means that muscles are deprived of oxygen and if they are not getting enough, you won't be able to finish these tests.

Now, this reduction of oxygen can mean a lot of different things and it doesn't have to be a health problem beyond just being out of shape. If you can't complete the tests, do talk to your doctor about possible causes, before diving into a fitness program.

Can you walk six blocks without stopping or briskly run up two flights of stairs?

Related Articles:

Post-Natal Fitness: Ramp Up the Walking

Post-Natal Fitness: Your Feet Were Made For Walking

Post-Natal Fitness: The Marvelous Mid-Section

Post-Natal Fitness: So You Just Had a Baby....

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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