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CUSTOMIZE EXERCISE LEVEL TO INDIVIDUAL HEALTH NEEDS
17 May 2004 - Duke University
| Exercise is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Regular exercise can help you manage your weight, reduce stress and cut your risk of heart attack and stroke. But what level of exercise will yield the health benefits you're looking for? William Kraus, director of clinical research at Duke University's Center for Living, says the answer may depend on what you need to work on. |
Exercise is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Regular exercise can help you manage your weight, reduce stress and cut your risk of heart attack and stroke. But what level of exercise will yield the health benefits you're looking for? William Kraus, director of clinical research at Duke University's Center for Living, says the answer may depend on what you need to work on. "If you want to improve a cholesterol profile, a high-intensity program most days of the week is probably most effective. If you want to control blood sugar and prevent progression to diabetes, then a more moderate-intensity program such as brisk walking most days of the week is probably as effective as any program you can do." Many people fear they won't see meaningful results from exercise unless they push themselves, but Kraus says frequency is the key. "So I would not discourage people from doing brisk walking most days of the week. I think the guideline should be 'most days of the week, 30 minutes at a time.' Then the intensity can vary according to the comfort of the individual." Remember, talk with your doctor before starting any exercise program. I'm Cabell Smith for MedMinute.
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About: Duke University
Tracing its origins to a rural schoolhouse in 1838, Duke University has evolved into one of the world's leading institutions for education, research and medical care. |
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