How Much Exercise Is Healthy?

Most people know that exercise is good for the mind and body, but they're not exactly sure how much is too much or too little. One of the most common recommendations we hear from personal trainers and health professionals is "for at least for 30-minutes three times a week." There are people who take this recommendation literally, but it is more of a guideline than a strict rule. How much you exercise will depend upon your fitness goals and daily routine. No matter what, any kind of exercise you do will most likely bring you health benefits and more mental clarity.

A good general guideline for people who exercise with equipment is to split your time between cardio exercises and strength training. Many people only think about cardio when they are trying to get into shape, but lifting weights is essential for developing toned muscles and increasing your metabolic rate. Free weights are great for strength training, but modern strength circuit machines are perfectly acceptable for people looking to develop their core muscles.

Most people can do as much exercise as their body can physically take. Athletes often workout for more than 5 hours a day during training in order to reach top physical condition. Obviously, most of us are not athletes, so that sort of training isn't necessary or even even possible. The most important thing to factor when thinking about over-exercising is your physical safety. If you push yourself too hard when working out there is a possibility that you can get sloppy in your routine and put yourself in a dangerous situation. If you are planning to workout a lot, you should also consult your physician. Some people have heart conditions that make exercising a risky activity.