Archive for the ‘How Much Should I Exercise’ Category
How Much Should I Exercise
On a daily basis people constantly ask me, “How much should I exercise?” My reply is 20-30 minutes most days of the week. Of course, the type of exercise you do to meet your fitness goals may alter this statement. Today, I’m going to share with you recent studies showing 4 ways that exercise can make you smarter and boost your brain power!
Recent studies showed an improvement of memory in mice resulting from exercise. As we age, brain density decreases, and when the mice exercised, they actually grew more brain cells. The study also showed these same results happen in humans and can help prevent Alzheimer’s.
Several studies also show, that kids who exercise regularly perform better in school. Exercising causes more blood flow to the brain, bringing with it, more oxygen and glucose. This increased activity encourages learning more easily.
These are two pretty good reasons to start exercising or asking, ‘how much should I exercise’? Here’s another positive factor about exercise, which is the reduction of anxiety and depression. Some studies show this can even help those with attention deficit disorders. You’ll feel good as long as you continue to exercise.
Reducing your brain of insulin, with a healthy eating and lifestyle, may also increase your lifespan. The question still remains, “How much should I exercise?” Knowing just a few of the benefits and facts, my answer to you is, let your conscience be your guide for a longer healthier life!
When you ask yourself how much should I exercise, think about your fitness goals before you decide on an answer. A certain amount of exercise for one person may not be same or offer the same benefits for someone else. Exercise is very personal depending on your goals.
There are some additional thoughts in regard to exercising:
- Keep it simple! Don’t make your exercise sessions long and complicated. Get in, Get out, Get fit.
- Stay encouraged. You may not see results as quick as you’d like, but they will come.
- You’ll start to feel good about your self. There’s nothing like having positive self esteem.
- You’ll be getting healthier. Muscles will be toning up, you’ll sleep better at night and some health issues may begin to diminish.
- You will be improving the quality of your life with exercise and fitness.
So the question of how much should I exercise is a decision only you can make with information and knowledge. Start out slow with modifications and gradually increase your own personal exercise program.
Now flip the coin, can you exercise too much? Yes you can. Your body will let you know when you are over exercising and over training. Keep it on the healthy side and you’ll be fine.
