Get on Track to Better Health by Exercising

Get on Track to Better Health by Exercising

With these snowy, cold days, it can be hard to think about exercising when staying inside sounds like a much better option. Health and fitness is a national concern. To encourage better health through exercise, the Federal Government published the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. This report promotes a combination of aerobic and strength training exercise for optimal health, and offers exercise options and advice by age, activity levels and physical limitations.
At a minimum, the report makes the following recommendations:
  • 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic training or 1.25 hours a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic training in episodes lasting at least ten minutes.

   • Two or more days a week of strength training, involving all major muscle groups.

 While this may seem like a lot of time, considering those busy schedules, look for opportunities to get small amounts of exercise. Join your children in riding on a bike path in the community. While shopping at the mall consider taking a few laps around the interior at a quick pace. Also think about parking your vehicle at the far end of the parking lot and walking. How do you spend your lunch hour? Perhaps this would be a great time to enroll in an exercise class.