Exercise Does Not Result In Improved Fitness, Training Does - Position Statement
Exercise is simply placing a demand on one of the two energy-producing pathways of the body, i.e., aerobic and anaerobic.
Training is exercising with the intentionality of improving the capacity of one or both of the energy producing pathways of the body.
This means that only exercise of the appropriate intensity, i.e., training, will result in improved fitness.
An analogy might be the difference between simply reading and studying. The latter will more likely lead to an increase in knowledge.
The only way that mere exercise can improve fitness is if the exercise results in weight loss.
Exercise is a very inefficient way to lose weight and is easily undone.
NAAAFP stands in opposition to the message that exercise results in improved fitness since this is clearly inaccurate.
NAAAFP stands in favor of telling people the truth - training results in improved fitness, exercise does not.
Exercise Does Not Result In Improved Fitness, Training Does - Advocacy Letter
Exercise is simply placing a demand on one of the two energy producing pathways of the body, i.e., aerobic and anaerobic.
Training is exercising with the intentionality of improving the capacity of one or both of the energy producing pathways of the body.
This means that only exercise of the appropriate intensity, i.e., training, will result in improved fitness.
Here is a reference for your edification:
"...[I]n the absence of appropriate stress, functional capacity deteriorates….Physiological systems respond to appropriate stimuli. Sometimes the stimulus is called “stress,” and the response is called “strain.” Repeated stresses on physical systems frequently lead to adaptations, resulting in an increase in functional capacity…Physiologically, the purpose of any training session is to stress the body so that adaptation results. Physical training is beneficial only as long as it forces the body to adapt to the stress of physical effort. If the stress is not sufficient to overload the body, then no adaptation occurs." From: Brooks GA, Fahey TD, Baldwin KM. Exercise Physiology: Human Bioenergetics and Its Applications (4th ed). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill 2005:7.
An analogy might be the difference between simply reading and studying. The latter will more likely lead to an increase in knowledge.
I expect the following from you:
A clear and immediate public declaration that exercise is not the means to improved fitness
Action without delay that results in communicating the distinction between training and exercise
Immediate cessation of using the term "exercise" to describe the means to improving fitness
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.