March 26, 2011

What's a Good Workout?

For general health or fitness, the Department of Health & Human Services recommends that adults get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity _OR_ 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week.

Moderate-intensity: Should be able to talk but not sing.
Examples: brisk walking, water aerobics, bicycling slower than 10 mph, doubles tennis, light gardening

Vigorous-intensity: Should only be able to say a few words before needing to breathe.
Examples: jogging, running, swimming laps, singles tennis, bicycling faster than 10 mph, aerobic dancing, heavy gardening (continuous digging or hoeing)


Small amounts of activity add up!
A 10min walk in the morning, at lunch, & in the evening = 30min.

Certain goals (weight maintenance, weight loss, training for an event, etc.) may require more time, frequency, or intensity. Remember to start & build slowly! Consider seeing your healthcare provider for input if you have chronic health issues or other concerns .

For more ways to tell if your workout is hard enough (or too hard), check out http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/is-your-workout-too-wimpy?page=2.

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