Question

According to recent estimates, 52% of Americans meet the 2008 guidelines for aerobic physical activity, but only 22% of Americans meet the guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity. Why do you think the level is so much lower for muscle-strengthening and what is needed to improve this? Include discussion of current barriers to muscle-strengthening exercise as well as suggestions to help more people meet this aspect of the guideline.

Answer 1

Muscle strengthening exercise in Americans:

Excercise keeps the body healthy and prevents diseases. Regular physical activity and exercise is recommended for this. The level of muscle strengthening excercise is lower in Americans. Some of the barriers for this could be the excercise environment, time spent, physical exhaution or tiredness, family environment etc.

Aerobic excercise of low intensity includes simple activities like walking, jogging etc. Whereas strengthening excercises includes activity of all muscle groups. One may prefer to do it at home using their own equipments or use a gym. Financial needs has to be met. Well experienced trainers and good gym with equipments will be required. People can find good ones and ask for packages to reduce costs. Also forming small gorups would reduce their costs and keep them motivated to excercise regularly.

Time spent: A person has to spend time regularly every week atleast 2- 3days for strengthening excercise. People who are busy may not be able to prioritize time for exercise. Motivation is the key. People should be made aware about the benefits of strengthening excercise and help them prioritize time for excercise.

Physical exhaution: People may find it tiresome for doing strengthening excercise. Building slowly on the timing and level of activity will help. Also having a healthy diet and snacks will help.

Family attitude: A family's attitude towards strengthening excersie is crucial. If a family considers it as benefittable, then they would follow it. Creating awareness on benefits of strengthening will help.