Exercise
Regular exercise is an important factor in maintaining physical fitness.
Benefits of exercise:
- Stress relief
- Better sleep
- Energy boosts
- Decreased risk of diabetes and high blood pressure
- Weight loss
- Improved bone density
Aerobic exercise increases cardiovascular endurance. It can be performed with light, moderate, or high intensity.
During light intensity exercise, such as walking or doing household chores, you can easily carry a conversation.
With moderate intensity exercise, such as walking briskly, riding a bike or playing tennis, you can talk but won’t be able to sing.
High intensity exercise includes jogging, running, swimming laps, or playing basketball. During this form of exercise, you are unable to say more than a few words without catching your breath.
Anaerobic exercise increases muscle strength by training of the major muscle groups like legs, back, abdomen, chest and arms. Anaerobic exercise includes lifting weights, heavy gardening, doing exercise that uses your body’s weight for resistance (sit-ups, pushups), or yoga.
The current recommendations for exercise in adults are:
2.5 hours of moderate intensity aerobic exercise per week plus
Anaerobic exercise on two days per week
Or
1.25 hours of high intensity aerobic exercise per week plus
Anaerobic exercise on two days per week
You should talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise program regimen, especially if you have any health problems. Find activities that are convenient for you and most of all, have some fun.
