Health News
- Walking 101
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom College credit for walking? That?s what the University of Georgia offers as one of its fitness classes for students. Whether this is a good sign or bad sign for our nation?s fitness is debatable. Most of us are very familiar...
- Personalize Your Fitness Routine
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom I?d like to end this month of weight loss tips and tools on an ?active? note. How about learning one of the easiest ways to choose a fitness routine that can really work for you over the long term? When it comes to activity,...
- Fitness 3 Ways
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom When you think of ?exercise? or ?fitness? what comes to mind? A sweaty workout, leaving you exhausted? Think again! An active lifestyle comes in many forms. What?s known as ?activity of daily living? is the foundation of a healthy...
- Are You Exercising Enough?
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom When it comes to physical activity, there?s a lot of confusion about what the ?right? amount is to support good health. It?s time to set the record straight! Guidelines for daily physical activity are translated from scientific...
- Fueling Your Workout
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom I?m often asked what?s the best way to keep your body fueled during exercise. The answer depends on both the intensity of your exercise as well as the duration of the activity. While many of us feel like professional athletes...
Health News
Boost Activity with ?Interval Training?
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom
We all know that being physically active is a major health promoter for mind and body. And while most people want to move more, actually doing so remains a constant challenge. Why? Lack of time is the number one reported reason.
I?d like to suggest that it?s time to exercise smarter, not longer, if lack of time is your major barrier. That?s where the concept of interval training comes in. If you hear this term and think marathon training and serious athletes, read on! Interval training can apply to everyone, and it simply means picking up the pace intermittently with your present activity. Inclusion of interval training can boost caloric output and cardiovascular fitness without increasing the total time devoted to activity. Sounds like a win-win to me!
You?ll always want to check with your doctor before modifying your present activity pattern. This is a must-do. Ask specific questions about exercise intensity, duration, and limitations related to your own personal health. When it comes to exercise, one size does not fit all.
For most people, ?moderate? activity allows you to comfortably carry on a conversation or sing to yourself without being breathless. Your ?interval? is a modest boost where focusing on the activity is the priority. And intervals are different for everyone, depending on your starting level of fitness. The good news is that everyone can have smart interval goals.
Start small. If you?re strolling along for your 30 minutes of daily walking, try alternating 3-5 minutes of brisk walking for every 10 minutes of strolling. Include some hills (nature?s intervals!) in your walk if possible. Try this concept on a treadmill by dialing up the incline, or on a stationary bike or elliptical machine by turning up the resistance.
A consultation with an exercise physiologist or physical therapist can help you to optimize your physical activity routine by safely increasing the duration and intensity of activities that work for you and your lifestyle.
- Walking 101
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom College credit for walking? That?s what the University of Georgia offers as one of its fitness classes for students. Whether this is a good sign or bad sign for our nation?s fitness is debatable. Most of us are very familiar...
- Personalize Your Fitness Routine
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom I?d like to end this month of weight loss tips and tools on an ?active? note. How about learning one of the easiest ways to choose a fitness routine that can really work for you over the long term? When it comes to activity,...
- Fitness 3 Ways
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom When you think of ?exercise? or ?fitness? what comes to mind? A sweaty workout, leaving you exhausted? Think again! An active lifestyle comes in many forms. What?s known as ?activity of daily living? is the foundation of a healthy...
- Are You Exercising Enough?
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom When it comes to physical activity, there?s a lot of confusion about what the ?right? amount is to support good health. It?s time to set the record straight! Guidelines for daily physical activity are translated from scientific...
- Fueling Your Workout
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom I?m often asked what?s the best way to keep your body fueled during exercise. The answer depends on both the intensity of your exercise as well as the duration of the activity. While many of us feel like professional athletes...