Aerobic exercise
Learning Center
Walking with ankle weights? Stop!
A well-rounded fitness program includes both aerobic exercise and strength training. But skip the ankle weights. Ankle weights may strain your ankle joint and leg muscles, which could increase your risk of injury. To get more out of your walking routine, simply pick up the pace. If you're in good shape, add short bursts of jogging into your regular brisk walks. If you're less fit, alternate leisurely walking with periods of faster walking.
How much exercise do you need?
For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week, or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. Moderate aerobic exercise includes activities such as brisk walking or swimming. Vigorous aerobic exercise includes activities such as running or aerobic dancing. The guidelines suggest that you spread out this exercise during the course of a week. The guidelines also recommend that you do strength training exercises for all major muscle groups at least twice a week.
Exercising? Take it up a notch
Want to get the most out of your workouts? Try interval training! This simply means alternating bursts of intense activity with intervals of lighter activity. Take walking. If you're in good shape, try incorporating short bursts of jogging into your regular power walks. If you're less fit, alternate leisurely walking with periods of faster walking. (For example, if you typically walk outdoors, walk faster between certain mailboxes, trees or city blocks.) The more vigorously you exercise the more calories you'll burn, even if you increase intensity for just a few minutes at a time.
Focus on fit when shoe shopping
To find shoes that fit properly, try these tips: 1. Have your feet measured. Shoe size can change as you age. 2. Ask the salesperson to measure both feet. If one foot is larger than the other, try on a pair that fits your larger foot. 3. Shop for shoes later in the day after you've been walking for some time, when your feet are at their largest.
Walking: Make it count with activity trackers
If walking is your main form of physical activity, see how activity trackers can help you set and achieve your fitness goals.
5K run: 7-week training schedule for beginners
5K run — Make it to race day in seven weeks.
10,000 steps a day: Too low? Too high?
Work up to a goal of walking 10,000 steps each day, depending on your starting fitness level, for numerous health benefits.
Aerobic exercise: Top 10 reasons to get physical
Need inspiration to work out? Consider the top 10 benefits of aerobic exercise.
Whole-body vibration: An effective workout?
Whole-body vibration — Don't give up regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Walking: Trim your waistline, improve your health
Walking can be an ideal low-impact exercise. Get the most from your walking routine.
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