Tuesday, May 2, 2017
Low Impact or Nonimpact Aerobics Part 2
Low Impact or Nonimpact Aerobics Part 2
Low-impact aerobics are designed so that:
- Your feet stay close to the floor, and only one foot leaves the floor at a time.
- Only moderate jumping is involved.
- Jerky movements are kept to a minimum.
Nonimpact aerobics are designed so that:
- No jumping is involved.
- They rely on large muscles of the thighs (as in knee lifts) rather than muscles in the feet and calves (as in jogging and skipping in place).
- They require more arm movement than high-intensity aerobics.
Rate Your Aerobics Class
Use this handy ten-point checklist to figure out whether an aerobics class is right for you. (You may have to take a class or two on a trial basis to answer all the questions.)
- Is the instructor well-qualified?
- Is the floor firm yet resilient? (It should be made of either wood, with an airspace or a spring cushion underneath, or polyvinylchloride/urethane. Avoid mats they can throw you off balance.)
- Is the room air-conditioned?
- Is there enough space for each participant to move freely without crowding?
- Does the routine include a warm-up and cool-down period?
- Does the aerobic portion of the class last at least 20 minutes? (Your heart rate should reach but not exceed your target heart rate.
- Are you told how to check your pulse before, during, and after the aerobic portion of the class?
- Does the routine allow participants to adjust the pace to their individual ability? (You should be able to step up the pace or ease off if you need to.)
- Does the instructor introduce new routines or music from time to time?
- Do you feel relaxed or invigorated after class? If you feel sore and exhausted, somethings wrong.
Yes answers mean youve probably found a class that will suit your needs)
Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com
Available link for download