Physical training programs for mass scale use: effects on cardiovascular disease--facts and theories

A significant increase in the numbers of Americans exercising during the 1970's has occurred, stimulated by an increased desire to improve the quality and, hopefully, the quantity of life. Fitness improvement is associated with an increase in HDL-cholesterol and a reduction in blood pressure, serum total cholesterol, LDL- and VLDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, uric acid and with weight loss and decrease in percent body fat. Correlations of risk factor changes with weight loss are greater than correlations with fitness improvement. After controlling for weight loss correlation of triglycerides and uric acid and percent body fat fitness improvement remains significant. Risk factor reduction has been shown to occur with fitness improvement without weight loss and with weight loss unaccompanied by fitness change, but the largest risk factor changes occur in the presence of both weight loss and fitness improvement. The aerobics exercise program concentrates on developing cardiorespiratory fitness first and musculoskeletal strength secondarily. Various physical activities can be quantified by means of a point system based on the intensity and duration of the activity. A fitness goal of 30 points per week for men and 24 points per week for women is reasonable and achievable by nearly all, regardless of age or sex. The most beneficial effect of exercise may be a biochemical mediated feeling of well-being.