How Much Exercise Is Enough?

One of the first things you need to figure out before beginning an exercise regimen is WHY you’re exercising. Do you have a weight loss goal? Are you striving to lower your stress? Do you just want to be in better overall health? Once you know why you're exercising, not only will you be able to build a personal program for yourself, but you'll have a good idea how often you will need to exercise to achieve your goals.

A daily 30-minute walk is recommended by most experts to improve your overall health. If you’re just starting out, it may take some time to work up to a half hour walk, but once you do, you'll find that you will start burning calories, lower your blood sugar levels and improve your mood and energy levels.

Exercising for weight loss is all about burning more calories than you consume. This means that in order to lose 1 1/2 pounds a week, you’ll need to reduce your daily calories by 500-750. While it's possible to lose weight by diet alone, you'll also lose muscle mass and bone density, so it's important to add aerobic and strength training to your weight loss program. Strength training exercises should be done at least twice per week, making sure you’re working all the major muscle groups. 

Is your physical health and well-being worth 30 minutes a day? Absolutely! Start slow, remember to warm up and stretch. As you get stronger and more fit, you'll be surprised to find you’re looking forward to your workout.