How To: Workout for You

Working out can be hard, especially when you feel as if you don’t know what you’re doing.  

Harvard Medical School (HMS) stated that there are four important types of exercise: aerobic, strength, stretching and balance.  

Aerobics is used to increase your heart and lungs endurance.  

“Aerobic exercise also helps relax blood vessel walls, lower blood pressure, burn body fat, lower blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, boost mood, and raise "good" HDL cholesterol,” stated HMS.  

You can do this exercise by running dancing, biking or swimming. The school’s wellness center offers free classes throughout the week that do different types of this exercise. 

Strength training is used to build muscle. Most of these exercises are split into two categories: upper and lower body.  

The upper body consists of chest, back, shoulders, biceps and triceps. It is said to work back and biceps together, and chest and triceps together. Some exercises include bicep curls and chest presses. The lower body consists of core, legs and glutes. Some exercises include leg presses and squats.  

Stretching makes your body more flexible.  

“Likewise, stretching the muscles routinely makes them longer and more flexible, which increases your range of motion and reduces pain and the risk for injury,” stated HMS.  

This can be done by touching your toes, splitting and just overall stretching your muscles before and after a workout.  

Lastly, working on your balance and mobility.  

This allows you to feel more centered with yourself, along with not falling often. HMS stated that standing on one foot or walking heel to toe, with your eyes open or closed is an exercise to help with this workout.  

For more on HMS, click the link below.  

https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/the-4-most-important-types-of-exercise