Only about one in four U.S. adults exercises enough, according to current statistics. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says Dietary Guidelines for Americans from the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Health and Human Services can help remedy this situation.
The nutritionist says the guidelines recommend that adults accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week, preferably daily.
Physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits, Reames says, recommending increased participation in various types of leisure-time physical activity. She says regular physical activity has these health benefits:
- Increases physical fitness.
- Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints.
- Builds endurance and muscular strength.
- Helps manage weight.
- Lowers risk factors for cardiovascular disease, colon cancer and Type 2 diabetes.
- Helps control blood pressure.
- Promotes psychological well-being and self-esteem.
- Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.
Moderate-intensity physical activity has substantial health benefits. The LSU AgCenter nutritionist says moderate-intensity activities include housework, childcare activities, occupational activity or walking for transportation, which may be more prevalent among women and certain subgroups of the population.
Public health programs usually encourage participation in moderate intensity rather than vigorous-intensity activities for sedentary persons.
Reames offers these tips to keep you exercising:
- Choose activities that you enjoy and find invigorating.
- Exercise at your own pace, building intensity gradually.
- Keep up your energy levels by eating healthfully and getting enough sleep.
- Choose activities that are convenient, fit your lifestyle and fit your budget.
- Select exercise opportunities that offer support and interaction, such as walking with friends or aerobics class.
"Don’t let another day pass without gaining the benefits of exercise," Reames says, adding, "Find something you enjoy and get with it."