What Is the Least Amount of Exercise You Can Do? by Michelle May, M.D.

Here's a nice article that we Moms (and Dads too) might be interested. I know we are too busy with our daily routines that we tend to forget about our daily need of exercise.

Read on...

Current physical activity guidelines for Americans recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (e.g., brisk walking) every week. While this goal may seem modest to some, to those who aren’t physically active at all, it may feel overwhelming and discouraging.

If you want to start an exercise program but feel discouraged, instead of asking yourself, “How much exercise should I do,” ask, “What is the least amount of exercise I can do… most days of the week, joyfully and consistently?”

Do the least amount of exercise?

Yes. Joyfully and consistently. Too often people get stuck, because when the discomfort and difficulty of making a change is too great, you won’t. Instead of focusing on the gap between where you are and where you “should” be, start with a goal that is so small that achieving it is irresistible!

So what are you willing to do joyfully and consistently?

- Walking for five minutes a day?
- Dancing to one song each evening in your living room?
- Taking one flight of stairs at work (then taking the elevator up the other three floors)?
- Standing up, walking around, or doing floor exercises during the commercials of one 30 minute television show?
- Walking one lap around the soccer field during your child’s practice?
- Something else?

You might be saying to yourself, “That’s not enough! That won’t make any difference.” But if it helps you take that first step toward a more active lifestyle, it will make all the difference!

SOURCE.

Goodluck to us parents! (*wink*)

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