Top 10 Benefits of Physical Activity

Learn the 5 steps of the Physical Activity Pyramid

• Moderate Physical Activity. Moderate physical activity is the first step in the Physical Activity Pyramid, and it should be performed daily or nearly every day.
• Vigorous Aerobics.
• Vigorous Sport and Recreation.
• Muscle Fitness Exercises.
• Flexibility Exercises.
• Avoiding Inactivity.
• Balancing Energy.

The Indianapolis-based ACSM’s answer to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Guide Pyramid, the triangle-shaped design includes several different levels of activity, with inactivity, or Level 4, at the top of the pyramid, and Level 1, lifestyle physical activity, at the base, or the widest part of the pyramid.

• Improve your memory and brain function (all age groups).
• Protect against many chronic diseases.
• Aid in weight management.
• Lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
• Improve your quality of sleep.
• Reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
• Combat cancer-related fatigue.
• Improve joint pain and stiffness.

It’s vital for staying fit, improving your overall well-being, and lowering your chance of health concerns, especially as you age. However, in general, it’s not necessary for you to work out every single day, especially if you’re doing intense exercise or pushing yourself to your limits.

The American Heart Association generally recommends a target heart rate of: Moderate exercise intensity: 50% to about 70% of your maximum heart rate. Vigorous exercise intensity: 70% to about 85% of your maximum heart rate.

Examples: Brisk walking, running, swimming, cycling, playing tennis and jumping rope. Heart-pumping aerobic exercise is the kind that doctors have in mind when they recommend at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity.

But two new studies published in the journal Heart suggest doing too much high-intensity exercise may increase risks of dying from a heart attack or developing an irregular heart rhythm later in life.

So, what is the ideal workout intensity? According to the recommended guidelines by the American College of Sport Medicine (ACSM), your workout intensity should be 60-85% of your maximum heart rate. The workout session should last between 20-60 minutes with a frequency of 3-5 times every week (15).

There is no recommended upper limit on the amount of cardio exercise you should do on a daily or weekly basis. However, if you push yourself hard with every workout, then skipping a day or two each week to rest may help you avoid injury and burnout.

Walking is an excellent type of cardio activity. But in order to challenge your cardiovascular system, you need to walk at a pace and intensity that increases the demands on your heart, lungs, and muscles.