Express Action Sports

As more and more people using exercise to keep fit and stay healthy, the knowledge of understanding the various sports and what are their suitablility to asthmatics is ever portentous.

Sports are require to acquire skills of sharp co-ordination, agility, quick thinking and unthinking reactions can be of enormous benefit to someone vith asthma. The stamina that comes with physical fitness is also an asset to anyone.

The training done by a boxer, gymnast or ballet dancer develops these, as well as flexibility, strength and concentration.

Boxing may seem an odd choice of activity for an asthmatic. Even so, consider the boxer’s loud expulsion of air when throwing a punch. This expulsion of air is made during an extreme effort, similar to that of a tennis player serving a ball, or a footballer kicking the ball, an athlete leaving the blocks or a squash player making a shot.

You will hear competitors in many sports make this often loud and obvious expulsion of air. It helps them relax immediately after the point of maximum impact.

The quick expulsion of air may not be exactly the same as the slower expulsion in the rythmic breathing pattern, but I believe that someone with asthma should choose a sport that involves breathing out at the time of maximum impact, or when intense effort is implicated. However, sports that require longer and slower breathing out are even better.

Which sports are more suitable?

Football, basketball, cricket, gymnastics, netball, volleyball and ballet are suitable for asthmatics as they require short, quick bursts of effort.

In contrast long distance running, where sustained effort is needed over a considerable period, is an example of a sport that stresses asthmatics and aggravates their condition.

Similarly, scuba diving, skydiving and bungee jumping are not sports I would recommend to someone with asthma.

No matter what sport is the final choice – be it table tennis, badminton, softball, horse riding or whatever . . . they all need agility, concentration, flexibility and strength.

Regular exercise will start you on the stairway to better health, and will help your body stretch its full potential and keep it there. Exercise should be dynamic, varied, accessible and without adverse side effects and don’t forget the ail-important consideration of choosing one you really enjoy. If you disregard this you won’t keep the sport up

Whatever the activity, always keep your limitations in mind and conscientiously follow the breathing and relaxation techniques that you know.

Even though you may roughly know what are those suitable sports that are for asthmatics, but all these information will be of no use if no action is being taken.

Having the knowledge is not power, applying the knowledge is true power to free yourself the agony of having asthma again. You should not at all add to, or alter any component of your current asthma care without first consulting your doctor.

However, many asthmatics that I know now and then tend to take playing a sport for granted and they should be be aware and aware that in order to have an asthma-free lifestyle, a proper and yet effective asthma recovery system is necessary. Even without a proper asthma guidance system, there will not be much asthma free lifestyle to hope for.

Applying the knowledge of what type of suitable are for asthmatics together with an effective asthma management system even your little one can use to enjoy asthma-free life once again.

anonymous
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/sports-and-asthma-facts-and-their-suitability-for-asthmatics-118961.html

John Howard, the Prime Minister of Australia, would have arguably one of the most stressful and demanding jobs in the country. Yet he still finds time for his daily fitness walk. He regards exercise and fitness as an important part of his daily timetable and sticks to this morning schedule no matter where he is. This message from the top highlights the critical importance of exercise in combating stress, anxiety and depression.

We all know how important exercise is for weight loss, cardiovascular health, combating diabetes and maintaining a high level of fitness. Our bodies are designed to be active and any program that enhances this is beneficial to our health. Activities that boost our fitness can range from gardening and walking to sports including tennis and swimming up to the extreme sports, including high altitude mountain climbing.

According to exercise physiologist Chris Tzar, exercise is now considered a primary treatment for mild and moderate depression. Jeff Kennett, a former Premier of Victoria, is now chairman of Beyond Blue, an Australian depression initiative. He also stresses the importance of exercise and fitness in beating depression. “Whether you walk, swim, play golf or go hang gliding, I don’t care, but physical fitness is terribly important to our wellbeing,” he says.

WHY IS EXERCISE SO IMPORTANT?

There are a number of theories about the mechanisms behind exercise therapy to treat depression. Some suggest exercise increases the release of endorphins and other “feel good” hormones that have a similar uplifting effect to prescription antidepressants. Others believe that exercise develops greater self confidence and enables people to develop new relationships.

Exercise can also create a diversion, taking the individual’s mind off his/her problem. Some years ago, I suffered from work related stress and depression.
Fortunately I was [and still am] a keen tennis player. The simple action of stepping onto the court, the hard, competitive physical activity and the camaraderie of other players, did wonders for my sense of wellbeing.

AEROBIC EXERCISES.

Several types of aerobic exercise have been found to reduce the symptoms of depression including running, cycling, jogging, swimming or going for a 20 minute walk. These types of activities may not be appropriate for some older adults. Gardening or a short walk around the block may be more suitable for those in this age group. In older people, exercise has been found to be just as beneficial as antidepressant medication or social contact according to Beyond Blue.

STRENGTH TRAINING.

Strength training and weights can also reduce some symptoms of depression.
According to Edith Cowan University exercise science professor Robert Newton, the most convincing research to date showed high intensity weight lifting resistance training was far superior in curbing anxiety and depression than either low intensity training or just remaining on the couch.

In an Australian study published in the Journal of Gerontology in 2005, high intensity strength training was shown to reduce depression as effectively as drug therapy. There is growing evidence that strength training should be offered as a primary treatment for depression in older adults. It provides additional benefits including strengthening bones [better osteoporosis management], preventing falls and managing arthritis.

Finally, before commencing any exercise program, it is important that you discuss your plans with your doctor. You may like to consider a tailored exercise program with an exercise physiologist.

Graeme Lanham
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/beat-depression-and-stress-with-exercise-98301.html