The effects of selected training intensities and durations on Improvement and Maintenance of Cardiorespiratory Fitness

The benefits of being physically fit are generally accepted, but in the fast-moving society of today people find it difficult to allot regular periods of time for exercise. When they do have some spare time, they generally desire to spend it in an enjoyable manner. With these factors in mind, it is imperative that a physical conditioning program be designed wherein the subjects can develop and maintain good cardiorespiratory fitness with a minimum of physical activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of selected training intensities and durations in order to determine a minimal training program necessary to improve and maintain cardiorespiratory fitness. The parameters measured were: maximal oxygen uptake, maximal pulmonary ventilation, maximal heart rate, oxygen pulse, ventilation equivalence for oxygen, and forced expiratory volume for one second. (A concurrent study was conducted in which the parameters of blood cholesterol, body·fat percentage, and body weight were measured.)