Putting the "I" in Intensity

If someone asked you to squeeze one more thing into your over-scheduled day, would you feel like screaming??? (Well, you would... if you only had the time or energy to scream.)

Although physical activity can't manufacture time, it tends to make you feel more energized, better focused, & happier. (These benefits could theoretically free up some time.  Use our search box to review more benefits of regular activity.)

Three things can influence your physical activity:  frequency (number of times), duration (length of time), & intensity (effort). Since we've already established that adding more or longer workout sessions seems unlikely, let's talk about intensity.

- The current recommendation for adults is 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week. (See, intensity can free up time!) For more info, check out ChooseMyPlate's Physical Activity.

- However, many adults think they're working harder than they really are. For a recent study, check out the NY Times' Overestimating how Hard we Exercise. Learn to judge your intensity more accurately with:
* Mayo Clinic's Exercise Intensity: How to Measure it (covers how to use heart rate)
* Centers for Disease Control's Intensity (geared towards strength training)
* American Council of Exercise's Monitoring Exercise Intensity... (discusses perceived exertion).

For readers who have already established a fitness baseline, the American Council of Exercise has many articles about High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). These short bursts of effort have been popular for further improving your fitness level &/or shortening workouts.

Please check with your healthcare provider before starting new or strenuous physical activity-- especially if you have health concerns or take certain medications.