Fitness
Experts Share The Bare Minimum Amount Of Exercise You Need To Be Healthy
Exercise is indisputably one of the best things you can do for your brain and body. Which begs the question (at least from me) ― what’s the absolute bare minimum I have to do to get by?
So, we at HuffPost UK thought we’d speak to some experts about the topic for the sake of ourselves any curious reader.
We chatted to Dr. Richie Kirwan, Lecturer in Exercise Physiology at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), and Olivia Tyler, National Fitness Assurance Lead at Nuffield Health about what exercise is, how much of it we need to do, and whether or not the levels change as we age.
Here’s what we found out:
Well, let’s start off with what exercise really is
“The UK currently has guidelines for physical activity which is different from exercise,” Dr. Kirwan informed HuffPost UK.
“Physical activity is any movement that requires you to use energy to move your muscles so can be things like walking or cycling to work, cleaning the house, gardening, etc.
“Exercise, on the other hand, is any structured/planned movement that we carry out with the specific goal of improving or maintaining our health or fitness ― so cycling to work is physical activity but going for a cycle after work to stay fit is exercise.”
You’ve probably heard recommendations for 150 minutes of physical activity a week.
But, Dr. Kirwan points out, this is for moderate-intensity activity; it drops down to 75 minutes if you’re going harder (ie exercising to a level that makes breathing hard and fast and makes it difficult to speak).
“We [at LJMU] have a lot of research showing that vigorous or more intense activity is more probably more beneficial, or equally beneficial in a shorter period of time,” the doctor points out, “but combining moderate and vigorous is probably an even better option.”
So, the harder I work out, the less time I can spend in the gym?
Well, don’t skip taking the stairs and enjoy your morning walk if you can, as moderate physical activity is great. But possibly, yes ― adding some intensive exercise may be a less time-consuming way of getting those minutes in.
“At LJMU we’ve done quite a bit of research on High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and shown you can get many of the cardiovascular benefits as more moderate exercise in a shorter amount of time,” Dr. Kirwan shared with HuffPost UK.
“And in the modern world, many people are time-poor, so time efficiency is important.”
Then, there’s lifting weights and doing other strengthening exercises; these can help to prevent “muscle and strength loss with ageing (called sarcopenia)”, Dr. Kirwan says. Sarcopenia is associated with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and bone conditions.
“Doing strength-focused weightlifting workouts can take more time as you need more rest between your sets to recover so this might not be achievable when life gets really busy,” Tyler said.
But “Some people like to split their weeks into different areas of their body, for example doing chest and tris on one day, back and bis on a separate day and legs on another” ― this can help to save time.
Do I still need to exercise as much as I age?
Grip strength is a greater indicator of cardiovascular risk among older people than even blood pressure ― so it’s no surprise that Dr. Kirwan says “exercise is something we should all do throughout our lives but is probably even more important for older people.”
He added that while older people newer to exercise “should speak with an exercise professional who can introduce them to the correct activity and intensity to start at (based on their fitness level and mobility),” age shouldn’t deter people from intense activity.
He mentioned one study involving a 93-year-old Irish rower who took up the sport at 73 and became a champion in his 90s.
70% of his routine consisted of the easier physical activity we talked about earlier ― but when he did practice rowing, he upped the intensity week on week.
“A lot of people don’t think about progression at all but it’s important,” Dr. Kirwan said. “We get used to exercise eventually and need to continue to challenge ourselves with intensity etc.”
So, what’s the bare minimum I have to do?
Both experts agree that some exercise is always better than none, across all age groups.
“The guidelines are that anything is always better than nothing. Your workouts should be built into your week as part of your routine and so you can only fit in what you have time for,” Tyler says.
Dr. Kirwan agrees, saying “if someone is completely inactive, starting any form of physical activity (as long as it’s not too strenuous) is beneficial.“
But to make those minutes count more and work harder, it’s a good idea to combine sneaky workouts (like gardening, cleaning, and walking to the shops) with intentional exercise sessions; if you want to chop down your time in the gym, make those intense, and try to progress in your chosen exercise every week.
Strength training is important, too ― by mixing up your workouts and strategically moving your body, you should be able to optimise the 75 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (or 150 minutes of more easy-going physical activity) experts prescribe.
Fitness
Adults hop on viral ‘rebounding’ trend to make exercise fun again — ‘I feel like a kid’
Forget boring home workouts, on-demand HITT classes and cold winter runs.
The latest wellness trend bouncing around TikTok involves a workout you might not even realize you’re doing, and that’s the point. It’s called rebounding. This low-impact exercise involves jumping on a mini fitness trampoline — called a rebounder — to get your heart pumping and support lymphatic drainage.
On Amazon, this best-selling model is currently on sale for just $129. It measures in at just 40 inches, making it ideal for small spaces while still offering room for an adult to jump, squat and jog in place. Users swear it gives them a seriously effective full-body workout, and many remark that it’s “so much fun” to use.
Clinical trials also back the benefits: a 12-week rebounding program for overweight women showed significant improvements in body composition as well as a decrease in diastolic blood pressure.
Ready to jump on the rebounding trend, too? You’d better hop on this Amazon deal fast.
This sleek rebounder by BCAN is sturdy and easy to set up, thanks to pre-assembled bungees and simpel video tutorial.
Reviewers say it’s completely changed their workouts, with one remarking they “feel like a little kid again.” Others have also noted it’s much easier on their joints than higher-impact exercises.
“It absorbs impact well and allows for a nice, smooth rebound that is gentle on the joints, making it perfect for a low-impact cardio workout,” one person explained. “Whether I’m doing high-intensity intervals or simply bouncing for fun, the movement feels fluid and responsive.
The BCAN model features an upgraded handlebar for added stability. It’s 8mm premium bungee — with a durable woven outer layer and a 350-strand natural latex core — delivers smooth, quiet bounces, so you can enjoy your workout without disturbing others.
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to the viral Oura Ring to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable toddler by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.
Fitness
Fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares why exercise is crucial for kids: ‘Not just about health and fitness’
Exercise is often spoken about in the context of physical fitness – stronger muscles, better stamina and improved overall health. But its value, especially for children, extends far beyond the body. Regular physical activity can quietly shape character, teaching lessons about effort, patience, discipline and resilience that mirror how the real world works. From learning to cope with discomfort to understanding that progress takes time, exercise can become a powerful training ground for life itself.
Also Read | Chennai fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares 5 simple things to focus on for long-term fitness
Chennai-based fitness trainer with 18 years of experience, Raj Ganpath – founder of the Slow Burn Method, co-founder and head coach at Quad Fitness, and author of Simple, Not Easy – is shedding light on why exercise is important for kids, with the benefits going beyond health and fitness. In an Instagram video shared on February 27, he explains how the impact of exercise extends far beyond physical wellness, shaping resilience, discipline and long-term character development.
Embracing discomfort
According to Raj, exercise is one of the healthiest ways to help children learn how to sit with discomfort in a safe, structured and sustainable way. Life inevitably brings challenges and unease – something adults understand well – but many children today are shielded from situations that test their resilience.
He explains, “Exercise is a great way to experience this discomfort in a safe and sustainable manner. Lifting weights, holding a plank, doing cardio, repping till it burns, all of these things are opportunities to embrace discomfort, opportunities to put themselves in a place where they’re not comfortable and learn from it, opportunities to practice physical and mental resilience.”
Learning hardship
The fitness trainer emphasises that hardship is an inevitable part of life, and meaningful success often requires pushing through moments of difficulty. While most adults recognise this truth through lived experience, children may not always have the same exposure to challenge. Raj believes exercise can bridge that gap.
He elaborates, “It will teach them that they need to do hard things if they want to accomplish something. Getting through a very hard workout, setting a goal and achieving it, completing a task. All of these things are not just random chores. These are incredible opportunities – opportunities to experience hardship and build fortitude.”
Delayed gratification
In today’s fast-paced world, the desire for instant gratification is stronger than ever – and children are growing up at the centre of it. With technology, streaming platforms and 10-minute delivery services, almost everything is available at the tap of a screen. As a result, the ability to wait, persist and work steadily towards a long-term goal can easily take a back seat. Exercise, notes Raj, offers a powerful counterbalance.
He explains, “Everyone wants everything right away today. This is true for us adults too, but it is even more true for our kids because this is the only world they know. A world where everything happens right then and right there, whenever they want it, wherever they want it. Exercise will teach them to wait, to be patient, to trust the process, to fail and still keep going, to work towards something larger that they will get much later. This is a very important character building quality and will serve them well for many, many years to come.”
The fitness trainer concludes, “Exercise is not just about health and fitness. It is a simulation of life itself. A ready-made character building tool available to you to help prepare your kids for life, the raw and real life that they’re going to have to deal with no matter what. So make sure they build the habit and make sure they embrace it.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
Fitness
What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack
The World Health Organization says the average adult is supposed to get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity five days a week, which sounds somewhat doable until it’s 9 p.m., your kids are finally in bed, and you just want to fall onto the couch and dissociate. But more and more people online are talking about “movement snacks” — little bite-sized amounts of exercise you can do throughout your day to meet your 60-minute goal without having to make special time for one big workout. Because yes, we all want to be our healthiest, but sometimes a HIIT class at the gym is just not in the schedule.
We asked personal trainers and fitness coaches for their favorite movement snacks you can do in the office, around the house, and on busy weekends when everyone’s home.
How much exercise is a person really supposed to get?
While the WHO recommends 60 minutes a day, the CDC is a little more lax, recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, or about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. While it may feel like you’re the only one struggling to fit a workout into your daily routine, you’re far from alone. In fact, it’s always been hard for most Americans. So, while movement snacks may be a cute new term we’re all hearing for the first time, fitness pros have been promoting bite-sized exercise forever.
“I work with busy professionals, so I’ve been integrating micro workouts of two to 10 minutes into my clients’ lifestyles for almost 20 years,” says Andrea Marcellus, certified personal trainer and CEO of AND/life.
The most important thing for your health isn’t getting all your daily movement done in one big, perfectly curated workout — it’s about being consistent, Marcellus says. Movement snacks can help you stay consistent because you don’t have to budget a big chunk of time; instead, you can fit something simple into your day when you have three minutes to spare. Hell, you don’t even have to change clothes or go anywhere.
“Most people think movement only counts if it’s a workout. That mindset is what keeps people sedentary. In reality, your body doesn’t care if steps come from a hike, a gym session, or pacing when you’re on a call,” says Lindy Royer, physical therapist and balanced body educator. “This is where you win the game — by stacking movement into things you’re already doing.”
Movement Snacks To Try Throughout Your Day
- Set an alarm on your phone to chime every hour — that’s what women’s fitness coach Allison Kalsched tells her clients. When it goes off, stand up and do 10 bodyweight squats. Then go back to work. When you get tired of squats, mix in walking lunges, push-ups (it’s fine if they’re modified!), or dead bugs. Throw on 30 seconds of jumping jacks or high knees for bone-building benefits, which is important for women in menopause, she adds.
- Take a micro walk. “Five minutes or 500 steps is my absolute favorite,” says Dr. Milica McDowell, doctor of physical therapy, author of the forthcoming book Walk, and exercise physiologist at US Physical Therapy. “It changes mood, lowers blood pressure, boosts mental clarity, and can help you get your cumulative steps in.”
- Dance to your new favorite song with your kids or all by yourself. “Dance party was big with my kids after dinner,” Marcellus says. “It takes four to 10 mins and helps kids burn off dinner energy, while also giving parents a metabolic boost.”
- Stop and do 60 reps of any full-body exercise, like squats, lunges, or jumping jacks — this usually takes about two minutes, no matter which one you choose, Marcellus says. Or, hold a plank for one to two minutes.
- Pair walking with habits that already exist to get your steps in, like marching in place while brushing your teeth or doing a lap inside the house while your food is in the microwave. “This means you’re not adding time — you are upgrading your time,” says Royer.
- Count your housework. Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, general domestic labor — these things totally contribute to your total exercise time each day, says Royer.
- If you go up or down the stairs at home, just… do it two or three times. That little extra here and there adds up, according to Royer.
The best advice is to focus not on “how can I move right now?” but “how can I do something that isn’t sitting right now?” Royer says. “The real truth that most people ignore is that sedentary time is the real enemy, not a lack of workouts. Focus on breaking up your sitting time. Build in frequent movement snacks. You’re not looking for perfection, just something more than nothing. You don’t need more time; you actually just need more conscious efforts to move.”
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