NCJ Number
53440
Date Published
1978
Length
6 pages
Annotation
PRINCIPLES OF CONDITIONING AND COMPONENTS OF A MODEL EXERCISE PROGRAM FOR POLICE OFFICERS ARE PRESENTED FOR DEPARTMENTS INTERESTED IN BEGINNING A PHYSICAL FITNESS PROGRAM.
Abstract
A TOTAL PHYSICAL FITNESS PROGRAM CONTAINS FLEXIBILITY, DYNAMIC STRENGTH, AND CARDIO-RESPIRATORY ENDURANCE EXERCISE ELEMENTS DEVELOPED SYSTEMATICALLY TO ENSURE WELL-BALANCED, OVERALL CONDITIONING AND IT INVOLVES CONTROLLING THE INTENSITY, DURATION AND FREQUENCY OF EXERCISE. THERE ARE FOUR IMPORTANT CONDITIONING PRINCIPLES: USE, ADAPTATION, OVERLOAD, AND SPECIFICITY. A BODY CAN BE MADE TO PERFORM OR ADAPT TO A SPECIFIC WORK LEVEL USING PHYSICAL TRAINING BUT WILL LOOSE THIS ABILITY IF EXERCISE IS NOT KEPT UP. IF THE BODY IS GIVEN PROGRESSIVELY GREATER PHYSICAL DEMANDS BEYOND THE ADAPTATION POINT, OVERLOAD WILL OCCUR AND ABILITY WILL DECREASE. SPECIFIC FITNESS GOALS SHOULD BE DEVELOPED FOR INDIVIDUAL OFFICERS. BOTH EXERCISES TO TEST ONE'S ABILITY AND INCREASE ONE'S ABILITY IN THE AREAS OF FLEXIBILITY, CARDIO-RESPIRATORY ENDURANCE, AND STRENGTH ARE DESCRIBED. THEY INCLUDE BENDS, STRETCHES, SITUPS AND PUSHUPS, TOE RAISES, RUNNING, AND SWIMMING. OFFICERS ARE ADVISED TO UNDERGO COMPLETE PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS BEFORE BEGINNING A PROGRAM, PROCURE WELL-CONSTRUCTED SHOES AND WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING, EXERCISE ON A REGULAR SCHEDULE, AND BE ALERT FOR DANGER SIGNALS FROM THE BODY. ILLUSTRATIONS OF EXERCISES ARE PROVIDED. (DAG)