How Often Should We Exercise?
In a recent NY Times article, physiologist Dr. Michael Joyner of the Mayo Clinic suggests not missing more than two days in a row and that the best would be to only skip one day.*
Really though, getting in some kind of movement on most days of the week, is ideal. Dr. Joyner’s answer was in reply to the question as to whether it really mattered if a person exercised three days in a row and then took the next four off.
It seems that more often than not, consistency is what counts with exercise. Our bodies will maintain the benefits of exercise if we keep chipping away at it and don’t take too many days off. It’s also a good reminder for our skeleton to stay strong and do its job of supporting the soft tissues of the body.
The good effects such as endurance, lowered blood pressure, improved blood sugar control, and even motivation begin to wane when we take off more than two days in a row. Injuries can also increase.
Does your exercise routine looks like this?
- Exercising on the weekends, then being sedentary for the rest of the week?
- Exercising in one chunk for the day, and then sitting for the rest? If so, you might consider spreading it out for greater fitness. Also, don’t wait until you have an hour to exercise. It’s better to get in little bits of movement rather than none at all.
Inspire us! Please let us know your ideas for incorporating movement and exercise into your day!
I’ll start: My dog contributes to my exercise regularity as much as anything, (not counting making a career of it as a PE teacher and personal trainer)! Rain or shine, sleet or snow! When I didn’t have a dog, I’d borrow the neighbor’s for my daily aerobics.
You probably have heard this one and here goes–I’m big on parking my car as far from my destination as possible and walk the rest.
Yay! That’s one of the best tricks to do, Diane!
The best way for me to exercise is to have a routine. This is usually several classes in the winter alternating what I do Tues/Thurs versus M/W/F. In the fair days of spring thru fall, I have a walking buddy. The commitment to a class or other person is a big help to get out and move for me.
When at work, I climb 3 flights of stairs on my way to use the restroom.
I do your DVD every other day (do you have more than one DVD?) and on the days I don’t do it, I do the elliptical for 30 min. Yoga stretches every day to alleviate pain from my SI joint dysfunction!
Nice routine, Amelia! The next DVD is coming soon-end of summer-ish! 🙂
Great idea, Terri! My parents climb their stairs numerous times a day, which has kept them young and active into their nineties!
Excellent idea on the routine, Moni! Then, you don’t have to make a decision about it everyday. A good way to put your exercise program on auto-pilot!
I don’t know whether it’s just me or if everyone else encountering problems with your blog.
It apears like some of the text in your posts are running off the screen.
Can someone else please comment and let me know if this iss happening to them as well?
This might be a issue with my browser because I’ve
had this happen before. Appreciate it
Hello and thanks for contacting me about the blog running off your screen. It’s probably a problem with your browser. Sometimes, closing and re-opening it helps with that sort of thing. Best wishes! Susie