Greg Welk Ph.D.Ron Hager Ph.D.

Concept 9:Concept 9:Active Aerobics, Active Aerobics, Sports and Sports and Recreational Recreational ActivitiesActivities

Graphics Supplement Pages

Web 09-1

The Fitness BoomThe Fitness BoomThe Fitness BoomThe Fitness BoomAre Americans More Active?

•Americans are more active than they were 10 years ago. Americans aged six and older who participate on a regular basis in sports, fitness or outdoor activities grew 19% from 1987 - 1996.•Even though activity in America is increasing only 34% of the population participates in sports, fitness and outdoor activities frequently.•Data indicate that those 45 years old and older are participating more than ever in fitness activities. From 1987 to 1996 individuals participating in activities in this age category increased 47%

Will the trend toward increased activity of Americans continue?

Some of the support for a continued increase in activity includes:

•The belief that exercise can be used as preventive medicine.•The Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health, issued in 1996. •Media coverage of exercise and its importance to health. •The example of baby boomers--and their elders--who use exercise to help manage their lives.•Encouragement given to children to become involved in sports.

BOOM

Web 09-2

24.5

1.94.4

32.9

42.8

18.2

32.9 31.5

05

101520

253035

4045

Free

wei

ghts

Stai

r-cl

imbi

ng

Trea

dmill

Run

ning

/Jog

ging

1987

1996

Fitness & Recreation Fitness & Recreation ActivitiesActivitiesFitness & Recreation Fitness & Recreation ActivitiesActivities

U.S. Participants in Fitness Activities M

illi

ons

of A

mer

ican

s A

ge 6

and

Old

er

Web 09-3

200

250270

350

400

460

550

660

725

60

110

250

330350

300270 255

75

225

90115 125

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996

Treadmills

Cross-Country Machines

Abdominal Exercises

Freeweights

Fitness Trends Financial Fitness Trends Financial ImpactImpactFitness Trends Financial Fitness Trends Financial ImpactImpact

Who

lesa

le D

olla

rs in

Mil

lion

s

Web 09-4Comparing Aerobic Comparing Aerobic ExercisesExercises

Many people wonder what the “best” form of exercise is. There really is no answer to this question. In fact, the best answer would be that the best form of exercise is the one you will do!

Variety is important in maintaining interest in exercise. Other people find that partners or friends are essential to help them exercise regularly.

Click icon to see Click icon to see a comparison of the energy cost of a comparison of the energy cost of different aerobic activitiesdifferent aerobic activities

Web 09-5

THIS PAGE IS...

UNDER CONSTRUCTIONTHIS PAGE IS...

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Spinning WorkoutsSpinning WorkoutsSpinning WorkoutsSpinning Workouts

Coopers Aerobic Points Coopers Aerobic Points SystemSystem

Web 09-6

Sample Activity Cooper Points Awarded for Different Paced Activities6 5 4 3 2

Running 1 mile < 6:30 6:30-7:59 8:00-9:59 10:00-11:59 12:00-14:29Swimming 500 yds <7:30 7:30-10:00 10:00-12:29 12:30-15:00 15:00-16:40Cycling 2 miles <6:00 6:00-6:59 7:00-7:59 8:00-8:59 9:00-9:59

In1968, Dr. Kenneth Cooper published the landmark book Aerobics, which popularized the importance of aerobic exercise for good health. A major concept advanced in the book was the Cooper Points system. This system (still in use at the Cooper Fitness Center) helps people to understand that there are a number of ways to get aerobic exercise. A number of activities can be combined to meet the weekly goal of 30 points. (See chart below)

Adapted from the points system in Aerobics (Cooper, 1968)

Concept 9:Concept 9:Supplemental Supplemental ReadingsReadings

Click icon to see Click icon to see list of referenceslist of references