Is walking briskly for 30 minutes good enough for aerobic exercise?
Cardio-phobic
Dear Cardio-phobic,
It is common knowledge in the fitness community that one can achieve a decent level of health through 30 minute bouts of moderate intensity exercise, five times a week.
But what, exactly, is considered "moderate intensity?" According to researchers at San Diego State University, people who walk at a pace of 100 steps per minute are performing at a moderately intense level.
Not too hard: a nice little walk to the office in the morning and voila! you have completed your cardio workout for the day. Sounds good, doesn't it - almost too good to be true?
Well, it is!
Unfortunately, it does not take long for your body to grow accustomed to this level of fitness and several factors must be altered in order for the continued benefits of becoming more fit. Within a few weeks you will have to increase your pace, increase your incline (or find more challenging terrain if you walk outside) or increase your weight (by means of a weighted vest, as opposed to gaining some!). The initial 30-minute brisk walk is a great starting point for someone new to fitness who is aiming to achieve the minimum standards; but, it is just that: a starting point...and minimum standards - will you really settle for minimum?
There is no easy way out in fitness - it's a constant battle of inspiration and perspiration, a challenge to yourself to up the ante and stride further from whence you came!
(I love that I used WHENCE)
Rock on,
Trainer Mark
No comments:
Post a Comment