Am Fam Physician. 2008;77:1029-1136.
Factors to remember in counseling patients regarding physical activity include the following:- Accumulated time in physical activity is more important than the intensity of the activity.
- Activity can be accumulated in increments of as little as 10 minutes.
- Lifestyle changes with physical exercise in everyday activities such as walking to the store or mowing the lawn using a push mower are more likely to be sustained than structured activities such as exercise classes at a gym.
- No more than 2 days should elapse between episodes of physical activity because metabolic rate and insulin activity can return to baseline within 3 days after exercise.
- The greatest relative benefits from exercise occur in previously inactive persons, even when the degree of initial activity is modest.
- Strength and flexibility training can enhance health but should not replace aerobic activity.
- Moderate physical exercise should approximate the same level of exertion as walking quickly. Examples of moderate exercise include walking downstairs, gardening, housework, tai chi, weight lifting, and performing automotive work.
- Vigorous exercise should approximate the same level of exertion as jogging or running. Sports such as tennis, soccer, and basketball provide vigorous exercise, as does walking upstairs.
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