Not Only Do We Have To Exercise, We Have To Enjoy It Too
Confused about how much exercise you’re supposed to do? Thirty minutes a day? An hour? How much cardio and how much strength training?
Worry no more. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued new guidelines that explain things pretty well, offer more flexibility than the old guidelines, and offer advice for special populations.
Here’s the rundown: For adults, HHS recommends 2 1/2 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity a week — that’s walking briskly, water aerobics, ballroom dancing or gardening. People can also opt for an hour and 15 minutes of vigorous activity such as running, swimming laps, or hiking uphill with a heavy back pack. Adults should also do muscle-strengthening exercises such as weight training, push-ups and sit-ups at least two days a week.
Children and adolescents should do an hour or more of moderate or vigorous aerobic physical activity a day, including vigorous activity at least three days a week. They should also incorporate muscle-strengthening exercises such as rope climbing, sit-ups, and tug-of-war three days a week, in addition to three days a week of bone-strengthening activities such as jumping rope, running and skipping.
