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About Jacques Courseault, M.D.

Jacques CourseaultDr. Jacques graduated from Tulane Medical School and has seven years of experience as a personal trainer.

He is currently pursuing his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Louisiana State University.



Exercise Right!
with Jacques Courseault, M.D.

The First Step to Success: Committing to More than Yourself
How to Begin an Exercise Regimen
Walk Your Way to Better Health
How to Begin a Walking Program
Eating and Exercise: What to eat and when to eat it
Weight, Lean Body Mass and Exercise
Strong Muscles Fight Disease
How to Exercise with Disabled or Weak Legs
How to Conserve Muscle Mass During Weight Loss
How to Build Muscle Mass
How to Build Muscular Endurance
Exercise Ideas: Play Video Games!
Exercise Improves Eating Habits

Tips

  • Lift enough weight that allows you to safely perform your predetermined number of repetitions.
  • Drink a sports drink or water throughout your workout.
  • Stop if you feel dizzy or nauseated.
  • Frequently change the types of exercises you do each workout.
  • Never lift free weights without a spotter.
  • Avoid holding your breath when lifting weights.
  • Eat the proper foods.
  • Consider joining a circuit training class at your local gym.

 

Exercise Ideas: Play Video Games!

Video games aren't just for kids! According to a recent report, 53 percent of American adults play video games, and one in five adults (21%) play every day or almost every day. While sedentary behavior is linked to chronic diseases and obesity, new, active video games systems may help you meet your weekly exercise recommendations.

The Nintendo Wii video game console includes games, such as Wii Sports and Wii Fit Plus, which are controlled through body movement, arm gestures or with a balance board. Undoubtedly better than sitting on a couch and exercising your thumbs, regular active video game playing can meet the recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Heart Association (AHA) of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity five days per week or 20 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity three days per week.

Researchers at the National Institute of Health and Nutrition in Japan, recruited twelve inactive men and women to determine energy expenditure while playing Nintendo Wii (Med Sci Sports Exer 2010, 42(6); 1149-1153). The participants performed all the activities of Wii Sports and Wii Fit Plus. The energy expenditure of each participant was measured and classified as low-intensity, moderate-intensity or vigorous intensity.

Two-thirds (67%) of the video games were classified as low-intensity, offering little cardiovascular benefit. However, one-third (33%) of the video games were classified as moderate-intensity, or the appropriate level of intensity to meet recommendations. Although yoga and balance exercises were classified as low-intensity, they may be useful in improving flexibility and in preventing falls, respectively (Circulation 2007; 116: 1094-1095).

Approved Moderate-Intensity Games

Wii Fit Plus
Resistance Exercises
Arm and Leg Lift
Rowing Squat
Single-Leg Twist
Push-up and Side Plank
Single-Leg Extension
Single-Arm Stand
Balance Bridge
Side Lunge
Single-Leg Reach
Aerobic Exercises
Free Step
Basic Step
Rhythm Boxing
Hula Hoop
Advanced Step
Basic Run
Obstacle Course
Driving Range
Rhythm Parade
Running Plus
Wii Sports
Baseball
Tennis
Boxing

A combination of these exercises must be performed 30 minutes a day, five days per week to meet recommendations.

Completing ACSM and AHA exercise recommendations can be a challenge in our busy schedules. We are all faced with constraints that can get in the way of exercising as we should.

Think outside of the box when it comes to exercise. Don't let it be a chore, but be creative. Plan a Wii tournament with friends, join a recreational sports team, play with your kids or pets, or find other fun ways to break a sweat. Remember, eat healthy low-calorie foods, and burn additional calories throughout the day to successfully maintain your health and manage your weight.