Get Heart Smart: the Importance of Daily Exercise

We've all heard that getting daily exercise is• Engaging in approximately 60 minutes of
important to our health, and now for the first timemoderate- to vigorous-intensity activity on most
the U.S. Government has confirmed that fact in thedays of the week to help manage body weight and
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005. The foodprevent gradual, unhealthy body weight gain.
pyramid has been revised by the U.S. Government to• Participating in at least 60 to 90 minutes of daily
include plenty of physical exercise in addition tomoderate-intensity physical activity to sustain weight
nutritious eating to maintain a happy, healthy lifestyle.loss. Some people may need to consult a healthcare
Physical activity is essential. The U.S. Governmentprovider before participating in this level of activity.
recommends:• Achieving complete physical fitness by including
• Engaging in at least 30 minutes ofcardiovascular conditioning, stretching exercises for
moderate-intensity physical activity, above usualflexibility and resistance exercises or calisthenics for
activity, at work or home on most days of themuscle strength and endurance.
week to reduce the risk of chronic disease.