The time of year is soon approaching when many will begin the quest of a New Years resolution of exercising more to lose weight or just become healthier.  The question then becomes, how much should we exercise?

Governing agencies have repeatedly changed how much one should exercise to truly see the multitude of benefits that are associated with it.  These exercise recommendations began in the 1970’s.  At that time, it was thought that we should do vigorous aerobic activity such as jogging or running for at least 20 minutes 3 days a week.

Now that does not sound too appetizing for someone who has never exercised or done very little exercise.  As recently as 1995, the recommendations changed to focus on moderate physical activity that every one can do.  Moderate intensity would be exercise that raises your heart rate, makes you breathe a little harder, and even possibly makes you break a sweat.  This would include brisk walking, biking, swimming, etc..  The guidelines changed at this time to 30 minutes or more of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity on all or most days of the week.

With in the past few years, data has showed that doing moderate intensity activity is short bouts (example: doing three - 10 minute sessions in a day) has the same benefits of doing a single prolonged 30 minute or greater exercise bout.  That is great news for individuals that have extremely busy schedules who have a hard time finding a continuous half hour to do exercise.  This past year the American College of Sports Medicine and American Heart Association revised its exercise recommendations.  It now states we should do moderate intensity aerobic exercise for 30 minutes a day, five days a week OR vigorous intensity aerobic exercise for 20 minutes a day, three days a week.  It also added that we should do between 8 - 10 strength training exercise twice a week.  Now many people may state to themselves I do not need exercise because I have an active job etc..  These recommendations on exercise are in addition to daily routine activities such as work, grocery shopping, and house cleaning.