Recent studies have shown that breaking up your exercise routine into manageable 10-minute segments can actually be more beneficial in the long run than a long run. And brisk walking can offer the same health perks that running the same distance would.
Curious?
In our increasingly hectic worlds, it is often difficult to find 30 or 40 minutes to incorporate a fitness schedule into our daily routine. Yes, it is important to have at least one or two of your weekly work-outs in the 30-minute range, but if finding this much time every day is difficult for you, try taking 10 minute exercise ‘breaks’ on the other days.
Do ‘counter push-ups’ (push yourself away from the counter 15 or 20 times) while you’re waiting for the water to boil; jog in place during the last 10 minutes of your favorite news program or walk briskly around the block while you wait for the kids to finish their piano lessons.
Once you realize how easy it is to work a few of these ‘fitness fragments’ into even the busiest of days, you’re on your way to better health.
But wait, don’t run off yet.
Running or jogging can be hard on the joints — especially true if you’ve led a sedentary lifestyle or are significantly overweight — and a stumble or fall can be more serious the older we get. Many people don’t ease up for fear that slowing down will adversely affect that healthy lifestyle they’ve worked so hard to maintain.
Take heart.
Once you accept the premise that the main goal of running as an aerobic exercise is to increase your cardiovascular fitness level and that burning calories is secondary, you’re on your way to a slower pace and less stress on your body. But don’t take my word for it.
Consider this from the President’s Council on Physical Fitness; "As far as a being better on the joints, walking is, without a doubt, the better exercise. It’s one of the safest exercises you can do and it provides great cardiovascular benefits without all of the stress that running puts on the body."
And it’s a fitness fact that running burns carbohydrates where a sustained brisk walk will burn fat.
Try it. After all, what have you got to lose?
The Players Community Senior Center in Ponte Vedra Beach offers a variety of fitness and exercise programs that will fit your lifestyle. Please call me at 209-3662 or call the center at 280-3233 to find out more.
November 15th 2008 - 7:32AM