The government periodically updates it recommendations as to how long and how should exercise. I have been usually disappointed in their guidelines as they seem to be catering to the lowered aspirations and busy schedules of the typical American. Honestly, it seems like they are sometimes giving suggestions more befitting someone getting over a severe illness or a 90 year old based on such minimum requirements.
The recent standards are a little more realistic. For example, it suggests that for slimming down, you need to do a MINIMUM of 150 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous exercise to see any real, lasting benefits. This is a stark change from past guidelines that encouraged people to take a stroll around the neighborhood (frequently after a huge dinner) a couple of times per week. Remember, in many countries around the world, walking is not exercise. It is transportation. I am sure people in these countries would have a nice chuckle at the thought of Americans considering a 20 walk around a gated community as some major expenditure of effort.
The president-elect of the American College of Sports Medicine, James Pivarnik, had a great quote that spells it out in simple terms: “If you want to get fitter today, you have to somehow overload where you are now.” If you are not feeling overloaded, you probably are not doing enough. You will only be able to maintain a minimal level of fitness when performing a minimum level of effort. You know that is true when it comes to your career, and it applies here as well.
To take a look at the latest recommendations and how they can help you achieve your goals, read this article from MSNBC.
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