In working with people across the world, I am continually met with the question in regard to physical activity, “What’s the use?” I feel compelled to address this head-on.
First, the majority of large health organizations recommend, as a minimum, the following:
- 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly – this can be as simple as brisk walking.
-OR- - 75 minutes of high intensity exercise weekly – this is defined as continual activity in a heart rate zone of 70-85% of your max. (NOTE: Max heart rate can be determined by subtracting your age from 220. The result is 100% of your max heart rate. You will then multiply that number by .70 and .85 to determine the range)
How much time does exercise add to my life?
- For each hour of moderate exercise, studies show an increase average life expectancy of 2 hours.
- For each minute of moderate intensity exercise, you will receive on average return on investment (ROI) of 1 to 7 (1 minute of moderate exercise = 7 additional minutes of life expectancy).
- For each minute of high intensity exercise, you will DOUBLE your ROI to 1 to 14 (1 minute of high intensity exercise = 14 additional minutes of life expectancy).
Over a lifetime:
- If a person simply does the minimum recommended weekly amount of moderate exercise, one can add potentially 3.4 years to their life.
- If a person does twice the minimum recommended weekly amount of moderate exercise, one can add potentially 4.2 years to their life.
- If a person does EVEN HALF of the recommended weekly amount of moderate exercise, one can add 1.8 years to their life.
I trust the above data provides pertinent information for you to consider. As we all realize, it is NOT just about the amount of life, but it is also about QUALITY. I assure by coming to the realization that exercise is a necessity to quality life, the “what’s the use” question will never reach your lips again.
Life is never about being easy, but I am all about not adding difficulty. Employ and enjoy the ability to exercise. You will be happy you did.
