How Much Exercise Do I Need

When I was growing up the answer was simply 30-minutes of exercise 5 days a week. In more recent years obesity is up, general good health is down, childhood obesity is on the rise. With all these factors taken into account the exercise recommendations have also changes.

In order to lose weight the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) recommends 60 to 90 minutes of exercise a day. As you read this please do not faint or decide it just can't be done. It can be done. The exercise does not need to be done in one session, although it can be done that way. You can break it up into manageable sessions. For example, 30 minutes morning, at lunch and at night or a morning and evening session of 45 minutes. You can even do numerous 10 minute sessions if your lifestyle calls for it.

Message of the day is to ramp up your exercise time. Get it up to the recommended amount. If you are already at your healthy weight you can get by with 60 minutes of exercise. Remember from the last post that it should be something you enjoy.

Happy exercising!!

Getting Active

In my years as a fitness trainer I have been asked over and over "How can I stick to my fitness plan?" The answer sounds so simple. Do what you love to do!

Some of you know exactly what type of exercise you love to participate in and which type of exercise you prefer to skip. Inevitably I get someone who says that they are running as the main part of their aerobic workout even though they dislike it soooo much. It doesn't take long before they quit altogether. Life is short and with so many options out there we do not need to waste time doing something we don't like doing. Short and sweet...if you don't enjoy it, don't do it.

For those of you who aren't sure what you love to do, start experimenting with different types of exercise and see what you enjoy. Figure out what you like and get to it. You are more likely to be successful if you enjoy what you are doing...I find that not only works with fitness, but in many aspects of life from social situations to work.

I participate in many different types of exercise and recreation. For example, last week I did 4 mountain bike rides, went telemark skiing, played volleyball in a women's city league, and went for a run on the treadmill. I loved every minute of it and can't wait to do more!

Here are some activities to consider trying: aerobics, spin class, zumba class, running, eliptical machine, walking, running stairs, mountain biking, hiking, playing a sport, skiing, weight lifting, cycling, snowshoeing, climbing gyms and canyoneering.

Your challenge: Find what it is you love to do for exercise and fitness.