ISSA Personal Trainer Exam Flashcards

metabolism - The total of all the chemical and physical processes by which the body builds and maintains itself (anabolism) and by which it breaks down its substances for the production of energy (catabolism). Glucose - The principal circulating sugar in the blood and the major energy source for the body ketone bodies - bodies produced as intermediate products of fat metabolism lactic acid - a by-product of glucose and glycogen metabolism in anaerobic muscle energetics amino acids - the building blocks of protein There are 24 amino acids which form countless forms of different proteins fatty acids - Any of a large group of monobasic acids, especially those found in animal and vegetable fats and oils. anabolism - the building up in the body of complex chemical compounds from simpler compounds (eg. proteins from amino acids) catabolism - the breaking down in the body of complex chemical compounds into simpler ones (eg. proteins to amino acids) Allergies - Exercise is one of the body's most efficient ways to control nasal congestion (and the accompanying discomfort of restricted nasal blood flow). Angina - Regular aerobic exercise dilates vessels, increasing blood flow — thereby improving the body's ability to extract oxygen from the bloodstream. anxiety - Exercise triggers the release of mood-altering chemicals in the brainarthritis - By forcing a skeletal joint to move, exercise induces the manufacture of synovial fluid, helps to distribute it over the cartilage, and forces it to circulate throughout the joint space. back pain - Exercise helps to strengthen the abdominal muscles, the lower back extensor muscles, and the hamstring muscles. bursitis and tendonitis - Exercise can strengthen the tendons — enabling them to handle greater loads without being injured. carpal tunnel syndrome - Exercise helps build up the muscles in the wrists and forearms, thereby reducing the stress on arms, elbows, and hands. cancer - Exercise helps maintain ideal bodyweight and helps keep body fat to a minimum cholesterol - Exercise helps to raise HDL (high-density lipoprotein—the "good" cholesterol) levels in the blood and lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein—the undesirable cholesterol) levels. constipation - Exercise helps strengthen the abdominal muscles, thereby making it easier to pass a stool. depression - Exercise helps speed metabolism and deliver more oxygen to the brain; the improved level of circulation in the brain tends to enhance mood. diabetes - Exercise helps lower blood sugar levels, strengthen the skeletal muscles and heart, improve circulation, and reduce stress. fatigue - Exercise can help alleviate the fatigue-causing effects of stress, poor circulation and blood oxygenation, bad posture, and poor breathing habits. glaucoma - Exercise helps relieve intraocular hypertension (the pressure buildup on the eyeball that heralds the onset of glaucoma).headaches - Exercise helps force the brain to secrete more of the body's opiate-like, paindampening chemicals (e.g., endorphins and enkephalins). heart disease - Exercise helps promote many changes that collectively lower the risk of heart disease—a decrease in body fat, a decrease in LDL cholesterol, an increase in the efficiency of the heart and lungs, a decrease in blood pressure, and a lowered heart rate. high blood pressure - Exercise reduces the level of stress-related chemicals in the bloodstream that constrict arteries and veins, increases the release of endorphins, raises the level of HDL in the bloodstream, lowers resting heart rate (over time), improves the responsiveness of blood vessels (over time), and helps reduce blood pressure through maintenance of body weight. insomnia - Exercise helps reduce muscular tension and stress. intermittent claudication - Claudication is pain caused by too little blood flow to the extremities. Exercise helps improve peripheral circulation and increases pain tolerance. knee problems - Exercise helps strengthen the structures attendant to the knee (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) thereby facilitating the ability of the knee to withstand stress. lung disease - Exercise helps strengthen the muscles associated with breathing and helps boost the oxygen level in the blood. memory problems - Exercise helps to improve cognitive ability by increasing the blood and oxygen flow to the brain. menstrual problems (PMS) - Exercise helps to control the hormonal imbalances often associated with PMS by increasing the release of beta-endorphins.