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Two hours a week is the new minimum exercise guideline for health
By Christina | October 6, 2008
Wow, two hours a week? It seems like so little. It is hard to believe that two hours a week makes a substantial difference in anyone’s fitness level. That number actually reflects the minimum standard set for adults, it is higher for children and teens. They need an hour each day of activity which is why it is so distressing that schools have removed physical education as a daily class. Only 33 percent of our nation’s children get daily exercise by the time they reach high school!
I do agree that anything that gets you moving is better for you than nothing, I just think setting two hours a week as the guideline seems too low. Some suggestions given to help get that two hours a week are raking leaves, going for a brisk walk after dinner, before work or during your lunch break or try to take some time to play a game with your children for exercise. Those adults that are in better shape can get their health benefits by participating in more vigorous activities like running, biking, or swimming.
“The easy message is get active, whatever your way is. Get active your way,” HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt told The Associated Press.
If you are new to working out, clearly it is ok to start slowly and be safe. Additionally, when you are a new fitness participant you see results quickly. During the first few weeks a 10 minute quick walk may be exhausting but rest assured if you stick with it, you will be up to 30 minutes before you know it.
I wonder, if people realized that how active they are may be the most important indicator of good health would that be enough to motivate them? As of the time of this writing, a quarter of U.S. adults aren’t active at all in their leisure time. Really? What are they doing on their free time?
Will health and disease statistics make enough of a difference to get people up and moving? Science has found that regular physical activity can cut the risk of heart attacks and stroke by at least 20 percent, reduce chances of early death, and help people avoid high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, colon and breast cancer, fractures from age-weakening bones and depression.
Check with your doctor before starting a program of fitness. If after reading this and learning that exercise is the main indicator of good health and that it reduces the chances of disease, you are not even slightly motivated, you may have to resort to more drastic measures to get yourself moving.
Topics: Exercise, General, Personal Training |