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How Much Exercise Should You Do Each Day

Written by Alvine Jul 27, 2023 ยท 4 min read
How Much Exercise Should You Do Each Day

Table of Contents .

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Are you wondering how much exercise you should do each day? It's a common question since exercise is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle. The amount of exercise you need varies depending on your age, gender, weight, and overall health. In this article, we will discuss how to determine your daily exercise, a step-by-step guide to exercise daily, tips to make exercise a habit, solutions to sticking to your exercise routine, frequently asked questions, and the pros and cons of daily exercise.

How to Determine Your Daily Exercise

The American Heart Association recommends that adults should aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week. That breaks down to 30 minutes per day, five days a week for moderate-intensity or 25 minutes per day, three days a week for vigorous-intensity.

To determine what exercise is right for you, consider your age, weight, and overall health. If you're just starting, begin with low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling. As your fitness level improves, increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.

Exercise for Children and Teens

Children and teens should aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. This can include activities like running, jumping, and playing sports. It's also important to incorporate strength training exercises at least three days per week.

Exercise for Older Adults

Older adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week. This can include activities like walking, yoga, or water aerobics. Strength training exercises should also be incorporated at least two days per week.

Step-by-Step Guide to Exercise Daily

It can be challenging to start a daily exercise routine, but the benefits are worth it. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Step 1: Set a Goal

Decide what you want to achieve through exercise. Do you want to lose weight, gain muscle, or improve your overall health? Once you have a goal in mind, it will be easier to develop a plan to achieve it.

Step 2: Find an Activity You Enjoy

If you enjoy the activity, you're more likely to stick to it. Try different exercises like walking, running, cycling, or swimming. If you prefer group classes, try a fitness class like yoga, Pilates, or Zumba.

Step 3: Develop a Plan

Decide how often you want to exercise and what time of day works best for you. Start with a realistic schedule and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.

Step 4: Stay Accountable

Find a workout buddy or join a fitness group to help you stay accountable. You can also track your progress using a fitness app or journal.

Tips to Make Exercise a Habit

Here are some tips to help you make exercise a habit:

  • Start small and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.
  • Find an activity you enjoy and mix it up to prevent boredom.
  • Make exercise a priority by scheduling it into your day.
  • Find a workout buddy or join a fitness group for support and accountability.
  • Track your progress to stay motivated.

Solution to Sticking to Your Daily Exercise Routine

Here are some solutions to help you stick to your daily exercise routine:

  • Make exercise a habit by doing it at the same time every day.
  • Find an activity you enjoy and mix it up to prevent boredom.
  • Set realistic goals and track your progress.
  • Reward yourself for reaching your goals.
  • Stay accountable by finding a workout buddy or joining a fitness group.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much exercise should I do each day?

Adults should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 25 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per day.

What are some examples of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise?

Examples of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise include brisk walking, cycling, and swimming.

What are some examples of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise?

Examples of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise include running, hiking, and playing sports.

Pros and Cons of Daily Exercise

Pros

  • Improves overall health
  • Reduces risk of chronic diseases
  • Boosts mood and energy levels
  • Helps with weight loss and weight management
  • Improves sleep quality

Cons

  • Potential for injury if not done correctly
  • Can be time-consuming
  • May require gym membership or equipment
  • Can be difficult to stick to a routine

Overall, the benefits of daily exercise outweigh the cons. By following a regular exercise routine, you can improve your health, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and boost your mood and energy levels.