Question

Please read the following case study and answer the following questions. After answering the questions, please respond to at least 2 classmates- either adding onto their thoughts/ideas or providing them with feedback. DO NOT JUST WRITE: I AGREE.

When I first started exercising, I really dreaded doing it. I was 50 pounds overweight, and I would run out of breath just trying to walk to the end of the block. But I was determined to stop being a couch potato and get moving, so I began walking every day. I started really slow and worked my way up. I walked just a couple blocks and back, and slowly I increased it by a block each time. Eventually I was able to walk a mile a day. I was really proud of that. To other people in my class, that was nothing, but I couldn’t compare myself to other people. I just had to focus on what I was able to do and be happy that I was improving. That was a couple years ago and I am still exercising. Eventually I combined walking and jogging until I was able to jog a full mile, and then some more. I first set my goals on a 5-K run, which I accomplished without much difficulty. Then last March, my buddy and I ran a half marathon! It wasn’t easy, but we jogged the entire 13.1 miles. Though I have lost 35 pounds and I am still overweight, I know I am much healthier than I was before. I know that having good cardiorespiratory fitness puts me at less of a health risk. Also, running makes me feel really good. I have never regretted the time and effort I have put into my exercise program.

Critical Thinking Questions

1.     If someone is quite out of shape and dreads having to start an exercise program, what initial steps can be taken at the beginning to ease into the program so it will not be too overwhelming?

2.     How can you use the theory of “start slow and then work your way up” to plan progress toward your fitness goals?

3.     What are the advantages of not doing too much, too soon?

Answer 1

1. If someone is quite out of shape, he should start with small steps because anyone giving himself big goals can become demotivating. Big goals can often be overwhelming. So it is always advised to start small then build up to attain the goals.One important point is not to leave the process midway and be disciplined and regular with small steps .

2. Fitness is a concept which is relative. So a person van be obese and still be fitter than some other person. But to to achieve better level of fitness it is better not to compare with others. Not only in fitness factor but in any field of life one should avoid comparing with others. Instead we should compare with ourselves and try to better ourselves. So it is important to start slow and then work your way up. Running a marathon on the first day is not only harmful for the body but detrimental to our confidence also. We should set small targets and try to achieve it on daily basis. As a result our fitness will increase gradually and our mental confidence level will get a boost. There is always a chance that we will not do the rigorous fitness regime next day if we set daunting goals.

3. Advantages of not doing too much too soon :

i) it will be easier to start

ii) we will stay motivated.

iii) we can follow the regime regularly

iv) Muscles and bones can take the stress gradually and get used to it and not get cramped.