Exercise Time: Crunching the Numbers

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

Regular exercise yields incredible benefits: You can lose weight, tone your physique, lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes, and increase your self esteem. But, finding time to workout is what prevents so many people from reaping the rewards of exercise.

So, how can you fit workouts into your already busy schedule?

Fitness experts say when you are first starting out don't overwhelm yourself by trying to find a huge chunk of time to workout. Rather, carve out a few minutes here and there and increase the durations of your routine as time progresses.

Also, look for ways you can burn calories without going to the gym for an hour. For example, park around the block from your meeting rather than directly in front of the building. Or take the bus an extra stop and walk back to your destination.

Another important step in creating an effective workout regime is understanding the difference between moderate and vigorous exercise. Moderate exercise is defined as a level of effort in which your breathing or heart rate increases. For example, walking briskly is a form of moderate exercise. Other moderate levels of exercise include dancing, swimming, and biking.

Meanwhile, vigorous exercise is defined by intense workouts that challenge your body. During vigorous exercises you should notice a marked increase in your breathing or heart rate, to the point where you can't carry on a conversation. Examples of vigorous exercise include jogging, spinning, high impact aerobics, swimming laps, biking uphill, carrying more than 25 pounds up a flight of stairs, and hiking while carrying more than 50 pounds.

In regards to how many minutes of exercise you should get everyday, the U.S. Department of Health And Human Services and Department of Agriculture recommends Americans participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least three times of week.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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