Papillon Human Potential - Physical Potential - Fitness

Mastering Resistance

One way to enhance our understanding of what is going on in our body when we exercise is to gain some insights into the phenomenon of physical resistance. My Strength for Life article linked to below will introduce and begin to explore this concept.

The article was inspired by my experiences of the fashionable exercise of Spinning, which is where a room full of participants complete a bicycle 'journey' on purpose-built, static exercise bikes.

The bonus of spinning, however, from the point of view of developing an understanding of managing physical resistance is that each participant is constantly and perfectly in control of their own resistance throughout the session.

"When we do any form of physical activity, be it canoeing, cycling, running, we generally have a certain degree of physical resistance which may make this work harder or easier. Paddling upstream, for example, provides more resistance than paddling downstream."

"The intrigue of Spinning is that each participant has a control lever on their bike with which they can directly determine the level of resistance they endure."

The article goes on to explain how this ability can also have a benefit with regard to other activities.

"After having spent a term participating in Spinning on a weekly basis I found that I had honed my ability to constantly measure and vary my workrate to a very useful and efficient degree. This also made (all) exercise even more enjoyable."

To read the article in full click on this link below.