How Much Exercise Do You Need?
How
much exercise do YOU need? 
Our world today is filled with appliances
to work for
us and conveniences unheard of 50 even 10 years ago, not to mention
that most of us are spending the whole day sitting down in front of
computers.
How do I know what the right amount of
exercise is
for me to get fit and healthy, without killing myself or at least my
knees in the process?
If your daily routine is getting home, eating and
then spending the rest of the evening sitting in front of the boob
tube or your computer, then don't forget, any exercise is better than
none! I know, when you think of sport, you think of the horrible
junior high PE lessons, with the standard uniform, laps around muddy
fields and most of all praying that the ball didn't come your way.
Then you think of Rocky, who is running and running and running some
more. Doesn't sound all that much like fun and relaxation does it?
But the funny part is, that it doesn't have to be
so hard and it could even be fun to do something physical. There is a
well-established theory that walking just 30 minutes a day, which is
mild to moderate physical activity, is the best way to better health
for most. The most important lesson is to choose a physical activity
that you enjoy, be it walking or riding a bike or swimming or lifting
weights or joining a team, the list goes on and on. However don't
over strain yourself at the beginning, you're more likely to injure
yourself, make yourself ill or just get fed up with it and quit.
So what's the right amount of exercise to
get fit and
healthy without injuring yourself in the process?
The rule of thumb is, 30 minutes/day
moderate
intensity (mild intensity for seniors), at least five times a week.
How do you know when exercise is of moderate intensity? When you
reach this point, you should be a little warm or sweaty and slightly
out of breath, but should still be able to hold a conversation.
You can read more about this topic at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/healthy_living/fitness/daily_howmuch.shtml
Don't forget, any exercise is better than none!!
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