How Much Exercise Do You Need?

Current exercise requirements can be pretty overwhelming. Modern research believes adults should exercise 150-300 minutes a week OR complete vigorous exercise for 75-100 minutes a week – and that’s just aerobic training. Two days of strength training is recommended for all major muscle groups, which translates to 8-12 repetitions until fatigue.

However, going from zero exercise to 300 minutes a week is incredibly daunting. Too many of us may look at those numbers and think: “that’s too much, so why even bother?” That’s why i’move fully supports starting wherever is most comfortable for you. When we hear the question “where should I start,” the answer is, “Right where you are!”

What Counts as Exercise?
We need to step outside of the idea that exercise only happens in the gym. Depending on your needs and goals your exercise might be different than your neighbors, but what’s important is that both are healthy. So treadmill haters, rejoice! Plenty of everyday activities count as exercise, including:

• Walking the dog
• Cleaning
• Shoveling snow
• Yardwork
• Playing with the kids
• Laundry

Adding onto these everyday activities, committing to 10 minutes of exercise a few days a week is a great start to a healthier you. Find something you genuinely enjoy doing such as:

• Walking
• Gentle stretching
• Yoga
• Sports
• Ice Skating
• Mall walking

What Exercise Should Accomplish
Your exercise plan needs to reflect your goals. What fitness all comes down to is enabling you to do the things you enjoy. If you want to be able to give your kids a piggyback ride, start with squats and strength training. If you’d like to enjoy camping or hiking, start with walks around the block. And again, anything is better than nothing. Science shows even 1 minute of exercise each week is linked to health benefits – and we bet you can manage that.

i’move adult fitness aims to keep you moving at any stage of life. Beginners and advanced fitness buffs can enjoy our FIT classes, personal training, or training programs for young athletes. Talk to a trainer for more.