Exercise Prescription.

If exercise programs are to become effective in producing the desired results, then the correct exercise prescription must be applied. Four variables should be controlled in the prescription of exercise: (a) type of activity, (b) intensity, (c) duration, and (d) frequency. The long-term prescription of exercise involves the use of a (a) starter program, (b) progression program, and (c) maintenance program. The starter program is important when the individual is quite unfit and has been inactive for some time. A starter program may last several weeks or more, depending on the initial level of fitness. The progression program involves application of the overload principle in providing an adequate stress to the body systems. The progression must also be gradual in nature, as adequate physiological adaptation must occur before additional stress is applied. The progression program yields to a maintenance program once the desired outcomes are realized, and the level of activity of a maintenance program depends on the large-muscle, aerobic-type activity performed over 30 minutes a day at an intensity of 80 percent of capacity at least 3 days a week. (Author/JS)