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Guide to Physical
Activity
An increase in physical activity is an important part of your
weight management program. Most weight loss occurs because of decreased caloric
intake. Sustained physical activity is most helpful in the prevention of weight
regain. In addition, exercise has a benefit of reducing risks of cardiovascular
disease and diabetes, beyond that produced by weight reduction alone. Start
exercising slowly, and gradually increase the intensity. Trying too hard at
first can lead to injury.
| Examples of
moderate amounts of physical activity |
| Common
Chores |
Sporting
Activities
|
| Washing and
waxing a car for 45-60 minutes |
Playing
volleyball for 45-60 minutes |
| Washing windows
or floors for 45-60 minutes |
Playing touch
football for 45 minutes |
| Gardening for
30-45 minutes |
Walking 1.75
miles in 35 minute (20min/mile) |
| Wheeling self in
wheelchair 30-40 minutes |
Basketball
(shooting baskets) 30 minutes |
| Pushing a
stroller 1.5 miles in 30 minutes |
Bicycling 5 miles
in 30 minutes |
| Raking leaves for
30 minutes |
Dancing fast
(social) for 30 minutes |
| Walking 2 miles
in 30 minutes (15 min/mile) |
Water aerobics
for 30 minutes |
| Shoveling snow
for 15 minutes |
Swimming Laps for
20 minutes |
| Stairwalking for
15 minutes |
Basketball
(playing game) for 15-20 minutes |
| |
Bicycling 4 miles
in 15 minutes |
| |
Jumping rope for
15 minutes |
| |
Running 1.5
miles in 15 min. (10min/mile) |
Your exercise can be done all at one time, or intermittently over
the day. Initial activities may be walking or swimming at a slow pace. You can
start out by walking 30 minutes for three days a week and can build to 45
minutes of more intense walking, at least five days a week. With this regimen,
you can burn 100 to 200 calories more per day. All adults should set a
long-term goal to accumulate at least 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity
physical activity on most, and preferably all, days of the week. This regimen
can be adapted to other forms of physical activity, but walking is particularly
attractive because of its safety and accessibility. Also, try to increase
"every day" activity such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Reducing sedentary time is a good strategy to increase activity by undertaking
frequent, less strenuous activities. With time, you may be able to engage in
more strenuous activities. Competitive sports, such as tennis and volleyball,
can provide an enjoyable form of exercise for many, but care must be taken to
avoid injury.
Activity Progression
For the beginner, activity level can begin at very light and would
include an increase in standing activities, special chores like room painting,
pushing a wheelchair, yard work, ironing, cooking, and playing a musical
instrument.
The next level would be light activity such as slow walking of 24
min/mile, garage work, carpentry, house cleaning, child care, golf, sailing,
and recreational table tennis.
The next level would be moderate activity such as walking 15
minute/mile, weeding and hoeing a garden, carrying a load, cycling, skiing,
tennis, and dancing.
High activity would include walking 10 minute/mile or walking with
load uphill, tree felling, heavy manual digging, basketball, climbing, or
soccer/kick ball.
You may also want to try:
- flexibility exercise to attain full range of joint motion
- strength or resistance exercise
- aerobic conditioning
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