Do you have questions about exercise? You’re not alone. Here, we answer some of the top-searched exercise questions.
Do I Have to Work Out Every Day?
The short answer is no. Health professionals recommend about 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week. How you break that number up is up to you. You can exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes every day or work out longer less often. There are caveats to this, as it will depend on what type of exercises you do and your overall fitness goals.
How Long Should My Workout Be?
While you don’t need to work out to the fullest extent every time you exercise, experts suggest a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate activity per day. Again, it depends on your fitness goals; you can always increase that timeline to fit your needs.
How Do I Get a Six-Pack?
Six-packs are notoriously hard to achieve, but with dedication, time, and commitment, they are possible. That said, your six-pack journey is going to depend on your starting point. Whether you’re starting with no strength or slight muscles will dictate how long the process takes, but building core strength is a necessary component. If you first need to lose some fat, try intensifying your cardio activity. You’ll also need to eat a well-balanced diet: Ditch the sugars, forget about processed foods, and make sure you drink plenty of water.
What Exercise Program Should I Do?
According to the American Council on Exercise, there are three things that every exercise program should have: aerobic exercise, strength conditioning, and stretching. Beyond that, however, your workout needs to be built to your own specifications. In other words, don’t adhere to someone else’s program; make it your own. Many people give up on their workout routines because they’re either too challenging, not enjoyable, or otherwise don’t meet their fitness goals. Your exercise should work for you, not the other way around. So pick a program you actually like.
Do I Have to Plan Rest Days?
Experts say it depends. When you work out every day with at least moderate activity, you should be building rest days into your schedule every three or five days. But if you’re going for a daily 30-minute walk, rest days aren’t necessary. Generally, it’s best to fill your rest days with low-impact activities, such as stretching, walking, or other exercises to help keep you moving without harming your body.
The bottom line is that when it comes to your workout, you are in control. You set your schedule. You determine what works for you. You are the one that benefits from the results.