Articles
Exercise and Cardiovascular Fitness
University of Florida Study
A research project conducted
by the Center for Exercise Science at the University
of Florida involved adults age 35 to 55 who hadn't
exercised in over a year. They improved not only
their cardiovascular fitness, but also increased
muscle tone and reduced body fat. The study, Increases
in Cardiovascular and Muscular Fitness in Response
to Total Body Recumbent Stepping, was presented
at the American College of Sports Medicine show
in Seattle in June.
"NuStep did as good a job as any cardiovascular
equipment on the market, with the added benefit
of muscular strength, which you don't necessarily
see with other cardiovascular products," said
Chris Hass, a doctoral student who conducted the
study under the guidance of the late Dr. Michael
Pollock.
Overall, participants improved their aerobic
capacity-the capacity of the heart and lungs to
deliver oxygen to the body-by 9.3 percent. They
improved leg-press strength by 11 percent and leg-press
muscle endurance by 56 percent.
"Concurrent improvement in strength and
endurance in one machine, especially for people
who have concerns about balance or lower back pain,
is a plus," Hass added.
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