Exercise

In addition to eating right, it is important to remain physically active to achieve optimal health. From children to adults, exercise plays an integral role in implementing your personal wellness program. Studies have shown that at least 30 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity 5-7 days a week can reduce the risk of chronic disease in adulthood.

Key recommendation to follow include:

Engage in regular physical activity – it helps to promote psychological well-being and a desirable body weight

If you are able, engage in approximately 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity 6 days a week

In order to lose weight, healthy adults should exercise (moderate to intense physical activity) 60 to 90 minutes daily while not exceeding the recommended caloric intake. Visits with a dietitian can help you find this level of activity

Cardiovascular conditioning, stretching exercises for flexibility, and resistance exercises or calisthenics are all acceptable means for exercising the body

Exercise for Children and Adolescents

Children and adolescents must be physically active every day to achieve healthful weights and also to promote psychological well-being. I recommend a lifestyle that combines sensible dietary habits with regular physical activity. Although U.S. children are more active than adults, a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention survey showed that 48% of girls and 26% of boys do not exercise vigorously on a regular basis. In addition, a quarter of all U.S. children watch 4 or more hours of television each day, not to mention time spent surfing the Internet or playing video games. Children and adolescents must not be allowed to become complacent, as healthy dietary and exercise habits learned early on tend to translate into more healthy outcomes in the future.

Exercise During Pregnancy

Women thinking of becoming pregnant should incorporate exercise into their daily regime. The current recommendation is to clock-in at least 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity on most days of the week. This doesn’t necessarily have to be in one session. Regular physical activity offers many health benefits during pregnancy, such as weight management, psychological well-being and a reduced risk of chronic disease. Additional benefits can even be achieved by exceeding the daily exercise limit – although it is recommended to consult your physician if you decide to do so.