Other forms of activity, such as yoga or tai chi, increase flexibility and improve mental function, but are not significant sources of calorie expenditure. It is important to find one or more activities that are enjoyable to participate in. Exercise is a key element of a weight reduction program, but if it is not enjoyable, it will not be sustained. Many people keep their interest in exercise high by switching activities periodically. Weather and availability of exercise facilities may force people to be involved in several activities to maintain a regular exercise program. Certainly a piece of home exercise equipment such as a treadmill, exercise cycle or rowing machine is convenient. When on the road, many pilots find it difficult to exercise. Walking in the terminal, while not a method to increase strength, will consume some calories. This is particularly true if walking is done instead of eating.
Many people try to exercise with rubber suits or heavy clothing to increase water loss from the body. A false sense of rapid weight loss is gained if a person weighs themselves immediately after exercising and before rehydrating. Weight loss due to water is very transient and is reversed as soon as the person consumes fluids again. The risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke with loss of consciousness makes exercising with these suits very dangerous medically. This is also very dangerous administratively for pilots/controllers who may have to undergo extensive and expensive testing to maintain their medical certificate if they lose consciousness while exercising. Exercise in clothing that allows you to remain as cool as possible and stay well hydrated when exercising.
Fitness
Exercise increases physical fitness and mental well-being. Measures of fitness should not be limited to single categories. Aerobically fit individuals may not be able to lift relatively light loads. Muscular individuals with very low body fat percentage may not be able to reach their toes or jog more than a few minutes. Useful fitness assessments should include evaluations of cardiovascular conditioning, strength, flexibility and body fat percentage. Comprehensive personal fitness assessments are available at some health clubs or through commercially available self-assessment products. We recommend the educational, scientifically based and easy to understand Fitness Age assessment tool.(published with permission in writing from:http://www.pilotfriend.com/aeromed/medical/aviation_medicine.htm)
