Fitness and training

"Fitness, nutrition, and health all exist in a similar space. They all impact the human body, and being vigilant about all three is generally considered to be good for you. Is there a difference between being healthy and being fit? How does nutrition play a role in all of it? Let's attempt to answer these questions"-cProvided by publisher.

"Endurance training refers to prolonged, sustained exercise that's almost entirely aerobic. By relying on oxygen use for energy, low- to medium-intensity aerobic exercise can be kept up for long periods-hence the name "endurance." There isn't an exact upper limit on how long humans can endure exercise. Eventually, fatigue will set in, depending on intensity, fitness level, access to fuel, and willpower"--Provided by publisher.

"When considering the term 'fitness,' the first things that probably come to your mind are activities like going to the gym, maintaining a healthy body weight, and drinking plenty of water. All of these variables are, without a doubt, integral parts of what it means to be fit. . . . While being 'fit' on a physical basis is one of most effective ways to ensure maximum quality of life and will be discussed in great detail throughout this book, there is another side to fitness that has seemingly taken a back seat to the obesity epidemic. This no-less-important variable in what constitutes overall fitness is mental health, and things are not looking so good in this area either"--Provided by publisher.

"To perform at your best at any sport or athletic event you may encounter, being able to compete hard for an extended period of time is a must. Any athlete can come out of the gate strong, performing well before fatigue sets in. One trait that sets the greatest competitors apart from the pack is the ability to bring the same intensity over and over again until the final whistle. While there are certainly benefits to dividing your workouts into periods of weight training with extended rest breaks and lightweight, rapid movements, both of these tend to occur simultaneously on the field of play. . . . We will define high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and how this technique translates directly to competition"--Provided by publisher.

"Explains the differences between low and high-impact training, the basics of the circulatory system, why heart rate monitoring is important, and spotlights a few sports in more detail"--back cover.

"As you would imagine, a high-energy workout's primary defining trait lies in the name. They can be at a gym, outside, or in your own home, but they always feature an upbeat instructor leading a group. The instructor's role is fourfold: to dictate the exercises in the workout, demonstrate and encourage correct form, keep you motivated, and make sure you stay safe. Depending on the size of the group and workout space, that can be a tall ask! That's why good high-energy workouts include some help. For example, almost all of them are set to energetic, upbeat music. First of all, music provides motivation! Multiple studies show that exercising to music you enjoy increases work rate. These beats also keep the rhythm, so you're in step with the person next to you, helping everyone move at the same rate. This effect helps eliminate common issues when working out in a confined space, such as running into each other or getting accidentally kicked. Some high-intensity workouts even happen on stationary equipment, eliminating this issue entirely"--.

"If you want to move well, become strong, and retain a balanced physique, you need to train the core. As such, people toss around the term "core training" for all types of workouts. But what does it truly involve? . . . We'll answer that question and more, illuminating the benefits of training this critical section of the body"--Provided by publisher.

"When you think of strength training, what comes to mind? You're likely imagining a bodybuilder-type physique, lifting hundreds of pounds over his or her head. . . . Strength training is so much more than bodybuilding. In fact, it's important for everyone! Teenagers, in particular, have a lot to gain from weightlifting--and it isn't just muscle. A well-organized resistance training program provides a foundation for a healthy lifestyle into adulthood. It can also improve sports performance for youth athletes aiming to reach the next level"--Provided by publisher.