Updated Exercise Guidelines

One of my favorite things in the world is exercise. I've come to understand the benefits of it and have seen it change lives. In August the American Heart Association and the American College of Sports Medicine released new exercise guidelines (below). You can visit the website for more information at http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200013.

Guidelines for healthy adults under age 65
Basic recommendations from ACSM and AHA:
Do moderately intense cardio 30 minutes a day, five days a week
Or
Do vigorously intense cardio 20 minutes a day, 3 days a week
And
Do eight to 10 strength-training exercises, eight to 12 repetitions of each exercise twice a week.

Moderate-intensity physical activity means working hard enough to raise your heart rate and break a sweat, yet still being able to carry on a conversation. It should be noted that to lose weight or maintain weight loss, 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity may be necessary. The 30-minute recommendation is for the average healthy adult to maintain health and reduce the risk for chronic disease.

Jill Whelan