If you watch the news or read magazines, you’re probably familiar with the recommendation to exercise regularly. But what exactly does that mean?

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Lake Oswego wants to break it down for you, defining how much exercise is enough and offering suggestions on how to get it. Read on as we offer some insight.

Why Is Exercise Important?

Being physically active is important at every stage of our lives for many different reasons. While we often connect exercise with trying to lose weight, exercise offers many more benefits than just weight loss.

Regular physical activity can help you lower your risk of developing many chronic health conditions, improve your mood, keep your mental health strong, and manage stress more effectively. That sounds like a win-win, right?

Different Kinds of Exercise

• Cardiovascular, often called cardio
• Strength training, including weight-lifting or movements using your bodyweight
• Balance workouts
• Flexibility movements or stretching

What Does Regular Exercise Mean?

You’ve heard that you need regular exercise, but what does that even mean? Well, it means that you need to exercise more often than every once in a while—you need to do it consistently.

How much is enough? Experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, so about 20 minutes per day. If you’re looking to lose weight, you may need to bump up duration or intensity. The key to getting regular exercise is finding an exercise you enjoy, so explore different kinds until you land on one that’s good for you.

Good Exercises for All Ages

• Swimming
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Bodyweight training
• Resistance-band workouts
• Walking
• Cycling
• Strength and aerobic classes

Feeling under the weather? Schedule an AFC TeleCare appointment with AFC Urgent Care Lake Oswego to get the care you need from the comfort of home.