Beebleblog

We are all aware of what we need to do to achieve our health and fitness goals: eat well and exercise regularly, but there is one aspect that is nearly always overlooked. Co-ordination is our topic today and more specifically, proprioception. Proprioception is a scientific term that refers to our awareness of the space around us. We use this skill everyday and it help us from everything from running to sitting.

An Example

A good example of proprioception is the sobriety tests carried out by the long arm of the law. As you watch the inebriated individual walk the line, trying to keep their balance, their proprioception will be working overtime as it fights against the effects of the alcohol. It is also a good example of alcohol and its effects on our ability to balance. What if you could improve your balance? Could you pass the sobriety test?

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We have all heard the warnings about high blood pressure and we should all be aware of the dangers that high blood pressure puts on our hearts.

What is Blood Pressure a measure of?

Blood pressure is not a measure of the pressure in the blood itself but actually the pressure the blood exerts on the artery walls.

How is it measured?

By using a sphygmomanometer (try saying that! – Beeble). This is usually the inflatable band that goes around your left upper arm to momentarily stop the blood flow. A stethoscope is then used to listen out for the first blood flow through the arteries of the arm when the air is slowly let out of the arm band. This first movment of blood is known as the ’systolic level’. The person measuring will then listen for the sound of the blood pumping through the arteries. The last sound made is measured on the sphygmomanometer and recorded as the ‘diastolic level.’ This is the end of the measurement and your arm is now released from the arm band’s vice-like grip.

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What is the Beep Test?

The Beep Test, the Bleep Test, the Yo-Yo Test, the Shuttle Run Test and even the Multi Stage Test are all one and the same. They work on the concept of beating one’s previous performance to show improvement in endurance and they are also a good measure of your VO2 Max (a measure of the body’s ability to take in and use oxygen measured in litres per minute - Beeble).

How is a Beep Test carried out?

Firstly you need a small amount of equipment. You will need a tape measure at least 20 metres long, you will also need 2 markers (e.g. cones) and you will need a stereo to play the actual beeps. Oh, and of course you will need a flat non slip area big enough to hold 20 metres in a straight line and enough of a gap at each end so you won’t go running into any walls! Below is a diagram of how the layout should look:

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What is the Body Mass Index?

Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is a calculation that will put your measurements on a scale that will tell you if you are underweight, a healthy weight, overweight or obese. It is a simple calculation that is as follows:

Who should use it?

You would think a scale that is as well known as BMI should be adaptable to anyone. Unfortunately not, as you will see further on (as we delve into the world of BMI - Beeble) that in fact it is really quite basic and its uses are too specific. As a guide it can be useful especially for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle or at the very most not overly active. It will give this group of people a very good idea whether they are in a healthy weight range.

Is it a good calculator?

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