How Much Activity is Enough?
If you are trying to set up a fitness plan to improve your overall health, you have probably been asking how much exercise do I need to do to get the benefits that come with leading a more active lifestyle? The answer may surprise you. It is not necessary to spend hours in the gym each week. A new government report shows that it only takes a half hour a day and there is a myriad of activities that qualify as exercising. The most important thing is that you get moving and do something to stay active and get your blood pumping.
The United States Health and Human Services Department (HHS) recently published its’ physical activity guidelines for Americans which state that people need to involve themselves in some type of physical activity every single day. For substantial health benefits they say “adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) a week of moderate-intensity exercise, or 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous intensity aerobic activity.”
HHS says that the activity can be spread out over the course of the week and the course of a day. It is not necessary to exercise for 30 minutes in a row, five days a week. You can do it in ten minute blocks as it is fits into your schedule. You do not have to go to the gym or jump onto a treadmill either to accomplish the goals. A brisk walk from the car into work can qualify as a mini-workout so will taking the stairs of the office building instead of the elevator. Even gardening and simple household chores
can be counted towards meeting your physical activity goals each week.
As for what qualifies for moderate physical activity and intense physical activity the HHS report gives examples of both. Moderate activities include; walking briskly, water aerobics, bicycling, doubles tennis, ballroom dancing and general gardening. Examples of intense physical activities include; jogging or running, swimming laps, singles tennis, aerobic dance, jumping rope and hiking uphill. As a general rule, when performing moderate activity you can still carry on a conversation with someone but if you are performing intense physical activity you cannot say more than a few words.
The benefits of adopting a plan to incorporate more activity into your daily life are well documented. People who exercise have a lower risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. They also report a higher quality of life in their golden years because of improved overall health. An active lifestyle also helps with weight control, the more calories that you burn each day, the more that you can consume without the fear of gaining weight. Exercise has also been shown to be a mood enhancer, so those who are participating in regular physical activity are generally happier people. With all of these reasons to get moving, there is no excuse to be wasting time sitting on the couch.
Author Bio: I write for TIR Massage Stone, the leading hot stone massage kit supplies provider. They carry products such as massage stones, as well as many other accessories for hot and cold stone therapy.
Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: hot stone massage kit , massage stones
