How Are We Exercising – Can You Improve Upon National Rates?

As part of your weight loss and health promotion program, physical activity should be added in on a daily or almost daily basis. Yet, many adults are failing to do just that.

We lead extremely sedentary lifestyles in today’s world and this is one of the leading reasons why we are suffering from the rates of obesity that we are.

Unless action is taken to correct this, the lack of physical activity will be setting our population up for higher than ever incidences of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, as well as stroke.

Let’s look at bit further at the stats of the current exercise trends so that you can see where you should be putting most of your focus to ensure you aren’t ‘of the norm’.

Aerobic Activity

Aerobic activity is defined as any form of activity that will get your heart rate up and keep it there for an extended period of time.  Those who are not taking part in enough aerobic activity are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease, as aerobic activity is primarily going to strengthen the heart muscle.

Additionally, aerobic activity will help you burn more calories while you do it, bringing up your total daily calorie expenditure. This can help to offset some of the excess calories that you may be consuming.

When it comes to aerobic physical activity, only 46.9% of the population is getting enough.

Keep in mind that here, ‘aerobic activity’ doesn’t necessarily mean slaving away on the treadmill, bike, or elliptical at the gym either. It could mean something as simple as going out for a brisk walk after dinner.

Aim to get a minimum of 20 minutes of aerobic activity in at least five days a week.

Strength Training Activity

Moving on, the next form of physical activity to take into account is strength training.  Strength training is important for maintaining the total amount of lean muscle mass you possess as well as for improving your resting metabolic rate and ensuring that you keep your bones and muscles healthy.

Strength training can be done through the completion of bodyweight based exercises, weight machines or free weights, or with rubber resistance bands.

The percentage of adults who meet the recommendations for this form of activity however are even lower than those that meet the cardiovascular activity guidelines with just 24% getting enough.

It really doesn’t take much to reap the benefits that strength training provides however. Just 3, 20 minute sessions per week targeting all major muscle groups will be sufficient.

Both

Finally, those Americans who meet the guidelines for both types of activity is even lower, coming in at just 20.4%.

And really, to meet the total recommendations for physical activity you would have to devote less than one hour per day to it.

Is your health not worth one hour per day?

Starting up on a good workout program, eating better, and using weight loss support supplements such as Adiphene are the best ways to combat excess body weight.  Don’t be another stat who doesn’t take action to promote good health.

Get a proper workout plan in place along with good eating habits and smart supplementation. If you do that, you can rest assured you’re doing your part to lead a healthier lifestyle overall.