Components of Fitness

Nautilus OM 113/213 08/18/2004 12:00 AM Page 31

Over the past 25 years, many people have focused on walking, running, cycling, swimming and other types of aerobic activity as their only means of exercise.

However, we have learned that two other components of fitness are just as important. These other two components are muscle strength and flexibility. So in addition to having a strong heart and lungs, we also need to be able to pick up a full bag of groceries and tie our shoes without having to sit down.

When developing your home fitness program, it is only appropriate that you develop all three components in order to achieve balanced overall fitness. Let’s take a look at all three components:

Cardiovascular fitness is training the heart and lungs to be stronger and deliver more oxygen throughout your body with less effort. It can help reduce the risk of heart disease, and help you manage your weight. It is the cornerstone of fitness, and can be achieved in many ways such as walking or running on the treadmill or outdoors, climbing stairs, cycling, or using a StairMaster® or swimming in the pool or ocean.

For many years, it was suggested that moderate level cardiovascular activity (activities that make you sweat and breathe and a moderate pace) should be done 3 – 4 days a week for 15 – 45 minutes at a time. It is now recommended that you attempt to do some cardiovascular activity EVERY day, if possible.

The good news is that the cardiovascular activity does not need to be moderately intensive everyday, nor does it need to be sustained for 15 – 45 minutes at a time.

So while it is ideal to challenge your heart and lungs by doing something like a strong power walk every other day for 15 – 45 minutes, it is more important to make sure you do at least a little bit of cardiovascular activity every day, even if you don’t do it for very long or very intensely.

For example, you might try using your Schwinn® exercise bicycle for a scheduled, moderate level workout for 20 – 30 minutes on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday (see the intensity monitoring section for further details on how hard to workout). On the other days, you might try going for a leisurely stroll 10 minutes in the morning and in the evening (or whenever you can fit it in).

Whatever you do, just make sure you get your body moving, and your heart and lungs pumping for some period of time every day.

Muscular Strength is training your muscles to remain strong using resistance such as dumbbells, elastic tubing or your body weight. In the past decade, we have learned that building or maintaining muscular strength is extremely important for a balanced fitness program. And it is especially important as we get older.

FITNESS GUIDE

113, 213 specifications

The Schwinn 213,113 exercise bike is an exemplary blend of quality, performance, and user-centric features, making it a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts. This model showcases Schwinn's commitment to delivering advanced technology and design to enhance the indoor cycling experience.

One of the main features of the Schwinn 213,113 is its sturdy frame, which provides excellent stability during intense workouts. The bike is built to accommodate various user weights and sizes, ensuring a safe and supported environment for riders of all fitness levels. The adjustable seat and handlebars allow users to customize their riding position for optimal comfort and efficiency, minimizing the risk of strain during exercise.

Another notable aspect of the Schwinn 213,113 is its integrated console, which is designed to keep users informed and motivated throughout their workouts. The console features a clear and intuitive display that tracks essential metrics such as time, distance, speed, calories burned, and heart rate. The heart rate monitoring system, which can be accessed via hand grips or a compatible chest strap, helps users stay within their target heart rate zones, further enhancing workout effectiveness.

Schwinn has equipped the 213,113 with a variety of built-in workout programs, catering to different fitness goals, from weight loss to endurance training. The bike includes multiple resistance levels, adjustable through a simple dial, allowing users to challenge themselves and progress over time. This adaptability makes the Schwinn 213,113 suitable for both beginners and seasoned cyclists.

In terms of technology, the Schwinn 213,113 integrates with various fitness apps, creating a seamless connection to digital fitness platforms. This compatibility allows users to track their progress over time, set goals, and even compete with friends or others in the Schwinn community. The option to sync with apps adds a level of engagement that can help maintain motivation and enhance accountability.

Comfort is further enhanced by the bike's ergonomic design, which includes padded contact points and a quiet operation, enabling users to enjoy their workout without distractions. The built-in transport wheels allow for easy movement and storage, making it convenient to use in any home environment.

In summary, the Schwinn 213,113 exercise bike represents a solid investment for those serious about their fitness journey. With its durable construction, advanced features, and user-friendly technology, it stands out as a reliable companion for achieving personal health and fitness goals.