In Exchange of Gym Time

In the past posts, I have reiterated the importance of exercise in maintaining a healthy body. According to the new federal guidelines, kids should get at least one hour of exercise a day, and adults should get two to two and a half a week.

Now, the good news is that this does not mean "gym time" only. Aside from going to the gym, there are other activities that we can do to enjoy exercise or physical activities.

For kids for example, activities such as playing on the playground, skipping games or climbing trees are already physical and yet children enjoy it much more than doing formal exercises.

For adults, aside from going to the gym, activities such as bicycling, ballroom dancing, and gardening are already physical activities. Getting at least 2.5 hours a week of physical activities is equivalent to 2 hours of gym time.

Here are some of the Health and Human Services Department newly released guidelines:

• For healthy pregnant women: at least 2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
• For disabled adults: 2.5 hours of physical activity per week for those who are able.
• For adults over 65: 2.5 hours per week, depending on capability. Seniors at risk for falls are recommended to perform exercises to help with balance.

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