FITNESS AWARENESS QUIZ

How much do you know about fitness? Try taking the following true-or-false quiz. You may be surprised at how much you know.

#1. Current guidelines for staying fit include walking for 20 minutes two times a week.

False. While this is a GREAT start, you need to exercise more regularly. Exercise makes the heart more resistant to stress and heart disease. It helps blood pressure go down. For moderate fitness, do 30-plus minutes of aerobic exercise most days of the week, preferably daily (children need at least 60 minutes a day.) Doing less than this will minimize your fitness benefits. Aerobic activities (such as hiking, biking, or swimming) use large muscle groups for long periods of time. Aerobic exercise that is performed at moderate intensity makes the heart stronger. Hard, strenuous exercise is not needed to improve the health of the heart and lungs. Moderate and continuous exercise is. Strength conditioning and stretching exercises are important, too, in maintaining good health and fitness.

#2. If you have a chronic medical condition, or are over 40 years old, see your healthcare provider before starting an exercise program.

True. You may have underlying medical problems that can show up when you start to exercise. You should see your doctor before starting a new program.

#3. You need to join a health club to exercise.

False. One of the best forms of exercise is free and available to almost everyone--walking. You should start slowly if you have not been active, and increase your walking pace and distance gradually. Remember, develop a plan that suits your time and lifestyle, and you will be more likely to stick to it.

#4. Fitness includes mental as well as physical health.

True. If you want to be fit, remember to pay attention to your mind as well as your body. Eat right, exercise regularly, and decrease your stress. Remember to laugh! Laughter is known to decrease health problems and will help keep you fit.

#5. All exercise programs provide the same health benefits.

False. Aerobic exercise benefits the lungs, blood flow, and heart. Strength training improves the muscles and helps you do more work each day. And stretching exercises improve your flexibility and ability to move around easily without pain. Vary your workouts to improve all areas.

For more information on physical fitness, contact the American Association for Active Lifestyles at (800) 213-7193.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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