# Exercise --- **Exercise** is vigrous [[physical activity]]. Makes you feel better, with [[hormone|hormones]], like endorphins. Benefits of exercising on the [[cardiovascular system|cardiovascular system]]: - Increased efficiency of the [[heart]] - Decreased [[heart rate]] and [[blood pressure]] - Increased blood flow to all body parts - Improved [[veins|venous return]] - Increased circulating **fibrinolysin** (substance that breaks up small clots) Benefits of exercising on the [[respiratory system]]: - Improved [[alveoli|alveolar]] ventilation - Decreased work of breathing - Improved [[diaphragm|diaphragmatic]] excursion Benefits of exercising on the [[musculoskeletal system]]: - Increased [[muscle tissue|muscle]] efficiency (strength) and flexibility - Increased coordination - Reduced [[bone]] loss (stimulates bone growth) - Increased efficiency of [[nerves|nerve]] impulse transmission Not using your body can lead to a decline in the abilities. If you don't use it, you loose it! Imporant to emphasize during [[nursing process|patient education]]. ![[mobility.png]] ## Types of Movemets Exercises or movements can be classified as either isotonic, isometric or isokinetic. - **Isotonic** movement is muscle contraction *with* length change/movement (i.e. pushups) - **Isometric** movement is muscl contraction with*out* length change/movement (i.e. planks) - **Isokinetic** movement is a special type of exercise that uses a consistant force (that can be increased over time) against the movement (i.e leg lifts with ankle weights). (Note: I seem to find multiple definitions of what an isokinetic movement is. I wouldn't worry about this one too hard.) ___