LET’S GET MOVING

In an age of increasing automation, and sedentary jobs and transportation, it can be hard to find half an hour to get your body moving, let alone the hour or two you need to hit the gym.

Even so, it is still extremely important to do aerobic exercise (activity that raises your heart rate significantly and makes you sweat) for 30 minutes or more per day to reduce the risk of heart disease, according to the CDC and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health states that adults who are inactive are almost twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease as those who are active, even if they don’t have any other pre-existing conditions – or harmful habits such as tobacco use – that increase risk of heart disease.

Because I’m also a Mt. Hood student, I understand that 30 minutes can be a big chunk of time – time you might have to devote to work or studying, time that may be essential to your schedule.

But what if I let you in on a little secret: You can spread out your activity time.

A 2012 study from Arizona State University concluded that three, 10-minute exercise sessions are as effective as one 30-minute session for heart health. Ten minutes seems much more manageable, I think.

As well as ‘cutting up’ activity time, you can try to incorporate simple exercise into your daily life. It could be something as simple as riding your bike to school or work, or picking up the pace when walking the dog.

The benefits of regular exercise extend beyond just keeping your heart healthy. Exercise can help manage depressive and anxious symptoms; regulate sleep; lower blood pressure and cholesterol; and help maintain a healthy weight or prevent weight gain.

Now, I hope you’re sold on the benefits of frequent exercise, but please remember to consult your doctor before starting a new routine if you have either been inactive for a long time, or have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart conditions, or any other serious health conditions.