Fitness Tip - Exercise Frequency

How much exercise you need depends on many factors.

The Surgeon General says:

“It is recommended that Americans accumulate at least 30 minutes (adults) or 60 minutes (children) of moderate physical activity most days of the week. Even greater amounts of physical activity may be necessary for the prevention of weight gain, for weight loss, or for sustaining weight loss.”

For weight control or weight loss, we recommend:

Strength Training: At Least 3 times per week for 30 - 60 minutes a day.

Cardiovascular Training: 3 – 6 times per week with vigorous activity 20 - 60 minutes a day.

Flexibility Training: As much as possible during the week (e.g. Add 10 min or more to the end of your cardio or strength training routine to stretch or attend a yoga class each week).

When it comes to weight loss or weight control, more is not necessarily better. Try to focus on intensity rather than long hours at the gym. Intensity will improve your overall fitness level as well as boost your metabolism for fat burning.

Luckily a little bit of exercise goes a long way for disease prevention! When it comes to exercise we think Nike says it best –“Just Do It!”

Remember to make YOU a priority in 2009!