Program Design:

Aerobic Training

Aerobic endurance training is an essential part of any general exercise program. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends most adults engage in moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise training for ≥30 minutes per day on five days of the week for a total of 150 minutes per week, vigorous-intensity cardiovascular exercise training for ≥20 minutes per day on three days of the week (≥75 minutes per week), or a combination of a moderate- and vigorous-intensity exercise to achieve a total energy expenditure of ≥500 to 1,000 MET-minutes per week.

Designing an aerobic endurance training program necessitates an evaluation of the new patient’s current level of fitness, exercise history, and clear fitness goals. The decision about which exercise mode we use depends on several factors, including the patient’s equipment availability, personal preference, the patient’s ability to perform the exercise, and their personal goals. There are many ways we design aerobic endurance training programs, and the first step after the evaluation is determining which mode (or modes) of exercise are most appropriate. After exercise modes have been selected, the frequency, duration, and intensity can be combined in a number of ways. Different programs may include slow distance running, pace/tempo training, interval training, circuit training, or cross-training.