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By now you know that exercise is good for you, and that you should do something
on a regular basis. What's the best time for you to exercise? Anytime.
Honestly.
For example, when you're sitting and watching TV, stretch your muscles. Never
stretch so hard it hurts. Rather, stretch to the point of mild tension and hold
the stretch for 10 to 30 seconds.
A healthy exercise program includes three kinds of exercise: aerobic activity,
muscular strengthening and flexibility exercise. You can start your exercise
program without investing in any elaborate equipment. For example, you can do
simple exercises at home or at your desk at work, including sit-ups, push-ups
and pull-ups.
For basic body weight exercises, weight-lifting equipment isn't required. Head
for the kitchen and pick up the soup cans you have in the cupboard.
Aerobic activity can be fun
Aerobic activity is defined as prolonged continuous movement of large muscle
groups. Translated, that means do something that keeps you moving. Ideally, do
it for 20 minutes straight. If you don't have that much time, two 10-minute
aerobic activity sessions will benefit you almost as much.
The good thing about aerobic activity is that it includes many of the sports you
probably already enjoy. Walking, biking, hiking, dancing, swimming, even
basketball are all examples of aerobic exercise.
Another good thing is that you can easily accomplish those two 10-minute
sessions with things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking
around the neighborhood after work or parking your car farther away.
You could even turn shopping into an aerobic activity. Shopping is walking, so
don't stop for 10 minutes straight and you've worked in one of your daily
sessions! Check with your local mall for mall walker programs, and you'll have
company.
Aerobic exercise is definitely good for cardiovascular health and fitness. And
here's something else you'll like: Aerobic activity can help you lose weight.
Plenty of good exercise all around the house
If you do housework or yard work, you're doing yourself a favor. The stretching
and lifting housework entails is good exercise. So is work you do outside. Yard
work uses many muscle groups, especially activities like planting and working
in the garden.
Raking uses your arm and back muscles. Digging gives your arms and legs a
workout. And gardening provides a bonus: You'll have more fresh vegetables and
fruits to add to your diet.
Is one time better than another to exercise?
It's really up to you. You can exercise in the morning, afternoon or evening.
Lunch breaks offer an excellent opportunity to get out of the office and
exercise. Use your coffee break to take a short walk around the office. Get rid
of the day's stress by fitting in an exercise session after work.
Whatever time you choose, make sure you stick with it. For some people, it's
easier to stay with an exercise program when you do it with a friend or
co-worker.
Make time to stay healthy
Exercise is one of the best things you can do for yourself. If you're basically
healthy, get going right now. If you're 40+ or have any health problems,
consult your physician first.
Fit Facts are taken from ACE FitnessMatters� magazine. Want more information
like this delivered directly to your home? ACE FitnessMatters, a bimonthly
magazine, is the source for the most accurate, up-to-date fitness information
you need to live a healthy, active life. Subscribe to ACE FitnessMatters online
at http://www.acefitness.org/fitnessmatters
or call 1-800-825-3636.
The American Council on Exercise� of San Diego, California (ACE�) does not
endorse or promote the companies, products or services that reside on this
website. ACE does not receive revenue generated from any organizations that
advertise on this website. Copyright 2005 American Council on Exercise. All
Rights Reserved.
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