How to Analyse a
Sport for Fitness Development
By Gabe Mirkin,
M.D.
The best sports
for fitness are the ones in which you exercise continuously,
those that are least likely to injure you and the ones you
enjoy the most. You become fit by exercising vigorously
enough to increase the circulation of blood. It makes no
difference to your heart how you increase your circulation.
The best sports for fitness use your legs because the blood
vessels in your legs are so much larger that you can
circulate far more blood with your leg muscles. Furthermore,
arm exercises tire you earlier because most people have
weaker arms.
Some sports require a great level of fitness just to start.
For example, to jump rope, you must spin the rope more than
80 times a minute to keep it from tangling. Many people
can't jump 80 times a minute. The safest sports are
low-impact aerobics, walking, swimming and pedalling a
stationary bicycle. Running causes lots of injuries because
the force of your foot striking the ground can be three
times your body weight, which can damage muscles and bones.
You are most likely to continue a lifelong fitness program
if you pick an activity that you enjoy. However, sports that
don’t keep you moving may be fun, but they won’t make you
fit. Most tennis players spend about 80 percent of their
playing time waiting for the ball; and golfers are often
required to ride in carts, even if they would prefer to
walk. Dr. Gabe Mirkin
has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing
physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in
four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen
to hundreds of his fitness and health reports -- and the
FREE Good Food Book -- at
www.DrMirkin.com | 
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