In an interview with The New York Times writer Marilynn Larkin titled "The Power of Everyday Activity", exercise scientist Steven Blair discusses the benefits to exercise.
Why is fitness so important?
According to the results of a 27-year Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study,
- We can reduce our mortality risk by 50% with 30 minutes of moderate intensity workouts on 5 or more days of the week.
- If we increase our workout time to 60 minutes of brisk walking each session, we get another 10 to 15% reduction in mortality risk.
- The new recommendation from the American Heart Association and the American College of Sports Medicine also suggests that we should perform 8 to 10 muscular strength and endurance workouts on 2 or more nonconsecutive days each week. Weight resistance should be used that allows 8 to 12 repetitions of each exercise.
- Adults over 65-years old should also include flexibility and balance workouts in their fitness program.
At a minimum, states Mr. Blair, we should eat properly, minimize fat and alcohol intake and accumulate 30 minutes of brisk walking on at least 5 days per week in our exercise programs.
Charles
No comments:
Post a Comment