Theories of Exercise

Subtle Points

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One of the best ways to understand mechanical aspects of the human body to understand your car. We can make very general and very powerful analogies between the two. There are two ways to really screw up your automobile, short of running the engine without oil.

1. Don't run it at all, storing it improperly.

2. Run it for extended periods at its maximum speed, or at its redline rpm.

Either of these will drastically shorten the lifespan (in terms of miles) of your car.

The biomechanical analogy is

1. Staying in bed for a few months or years, immobilized.

2. Running marathons every few weeks.

Although I hate the expression "moderation", it certainly does apply to cars and activity.

How do we define fitness?

What is the relationship between increased repetitions of an exercise, and the ability to lift more weight?

What amounts of exercise are required to increase strength, and then maintain strength?

What accounts for the often very rapid increase in strength in non-conditioned people?

How can DOMS be used to gauge workouts?

What are the benefits, if any, for maximal exertion strategies?

What are maximum power levels, and their significance? Compare this to maximum average power.

What is the significance of increased aerobic capacity? Correlation to youth?