I recently read in an article that the recommended guidelines of getting in at least 30 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity at least four to five times a week is more likely to happen with men. Yes women, men are apparently doing better at meeting fitness guidelines.
The importance of exercise cannot be understated. It can prevent more than just putting on extra weight. It can ward off serious health problems.
One of the biggest concerns in this country is a condition called metabolic syndrome. It usually strikes individuals who are obese. It is a set of risk factors that increases the likelihood of type 2 diabetes, stroke and heart disease.
Some of those risk factors include elevated blood pressure and cholesterol, extra weight around the middle, smoking and yes…a failure to exercise. Yet no matter how much information is given on the importance, women are still lagging behind men in this department.
A recent study done out of Oregon State University found that on average, women get in about 18 of the recommended 30 minutes of exercise. Now you might think this is a good thing…at least they are getting in that much. But researchers indicate that those who can squeeze in the additional 12 minutes are less likely to develop metabolic syndrome.
So clearly, every minute counts!
In addition, individuals who manage to get in at least 30 minutes on a daily basis felt better about themselves emotionally. Depression, stress and other psychological issues are far less likely.
In the end, what the researchers find is that the recommendations of at least 30 minutes a day is important to meet. So if you are a man reading this, congratulations on being part of a group that is doing a much better job at it.
If you are a woman, I say…let’s change these findings. We need to be the ones to rise up and take charge of our health.
Related Articles:
Walking Can Reduce Chance of Having a Stroke
http://fitness.families.com/blog/walking-can-reduce-chance-of-having-a-stroke
Fitness Is Good for Your Health
Midlife Fitness Level May Predict Future Heart Health
Photo by Spirit-Fire in Flickr