Standing Versus Laying Exercises

Exercises done in a standing or vertical position place extra strain on breathing, while exercises performed in a laying or horizontal position affect blood circulation more. The reverse is true, since exercises affect the body’s natural mechanism, depending on how an exercise is done. Neither way of exercising is better or worse than the other, but a combination of both, enhances health, physique, performance and general attitude.

Exercises done when laying, such as lying leg raises, sit ups, crunches and others, are demanding due to laziness embedded in lives of many. It is accompanied with a fear of being helpless in an inferior position, and inability to run or defend oneself. In a horizontal position, the body’s blood circulation gradient is affected, reducing blood flow, thus reduced energy, oxygen and nutrient delivery. Worse still, is the reduced removal, and accumulation of carbon dioxide, nitrogenous byproducts, and other wastes in exercising body muscles. Care should be taken, by keeping alert, to avoid loss of consciousness.

Although considered a bad thing, loss of consciousness is a body’s defense mechanism. Non-essential body processes are shut off, with an aim of striving to get rid of wastes, and restore the body back to normal. In a lying position, breathing is enhanced, since less work is required in supporting the body’s breathing mechanism; a reason as to why those with sudden loss of breath are encouraged to lay flat on ground. Furthermore, since there aren’t sudden air pressure differences occurring close to the ground, a relatively steady air flow into the body is maintained, once individual maintains good breathing habits.

Taking a look at exercises done in standing positions: there is more blood pressure in arteries delivering blood upwards to the brain, than in arteries delivering blood to lower body parts. This indicates that blood flow in the body is assisted by gravity. As a result, blood circulation is favored when exercising in a standing position, rather than in a horizontal position, a reason as to why most cardio exercises involve a standing stance. However, here comes a trouble of sudden air pressure differences incurred, in standing exercises such as squats.

In case of uncontrolled breathing, a sudden reduction in hearing capabilities occurs in one or both of the ears, when one performs normal squats for a relatively good amount of time. Worry less, proper hearing often returns after a couple of minutes. In case it persists, seek proper health care. Other exercises done in a vertical or standing position include: side straddle hops, lunges, side bends. Given the discomfort encountered by the body for a first-time exerciser, worries and feelings of being ill are a common think. Stretches and body rotations do the trick, and with time the body adapts to occurring changes.

A clear-cut line can’t be drawn as to which form of exercises are better than the other. This is because our bodies are versatile, and need to be involved in a variety of physical activities. This maintains proper health and better living.

More exercising insights and personal experiences in Fitness Junkie, available at your favorite store and library, in electronic and audio formats.

Comparing common exercises, health and exercise awareness