Exercise as Prescribed Medicine
It seems there has been more news in the past few years about the overall health benefits of exercise than in all years prior. The increase is largely due to the fact that exercise is now considered as important to managing health factors as prescribed medicine. This is because we now know that cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure, strokes and heart problems are reduced by exercise. And we know that exercise helps us feel more confident, alleviates depression, and the post workout feel-good endorphins give us such a positive vibe.
When we add up all the mental and physical benefits of exercise you start to clearly see why it so critical to living a healthy life. A recent Harvard article references studies of thousands of adults from a variety of ages showing evidence that an exercise routine, such as workouts at the gym, have a positive impact on almost every type of condition, mental or physical, including speed of dementia, type 2 diabetes, joint problems, depression, anxiety, and increasing years lived.
When it comes to managing health risks though, most people tend to focus on treating individual health factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, cholesterol levels and diabetes to improve their health. These are all important factors to be aware of. However, the studies’ evidence shows low fitness activity is the strongest predictor of bad health and early death. And daily exercise can have an overall health effect that can improve every one of the traditional risk factors and increase your quality of life across the board, making regular exercise the most important factor in living a healthy life. This is worth repeating. EXERCISE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN LIVING A HEALTHY LIFE.
So we know that exercise is great for you and zero amount is bad, but how much exercise should adults be doing each day? Although the amount of exercise you need is unique to your level of fitness and individual health levels, several national health institutions suggest that the minimum amount of exercise that an adult should do a week is 150 minutes of moderate cardio exercise or 75 minutes of more vigorous cardio exercise divided over about 5 days a week. In addition, adults should be doing strength training exercises at least 2 days each week.
Although there is an abundance of exercise activities to do at AFC Fitness gyms that can help you reach 150 minutes per week, Small Group Training in particular might be the most well-rounded exercise routine combining strength and cardio exercises.
Small Group Training offers the social qualities of group fitness classes with the accountability, attention and results of personal training. The variety of exercise formats keep you interested, too. They include TRX, Pilates Reformer, Treadmill Training, Kettle Bell, Boxing, Mix It Up, and Cardio Fusion and more.
Why Small Group Training?
- Coaches work with you from start to finish.
- A variety of cardio and strength activities.
- Small group size per session. Personal attention gets results.
- Never get bored. You can explore exciting formats, variety of exercises and top-of-the-line fitness equipment.
If interested in attending a Small Group Training session for free send an email to kposner@aquahab.com or call 610-664-6464.
It’s time to make exercise the top priority in your life. And, a daily visit to the gym not only helps you look great, but it also helps you live longer, healthier and happier!
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Start a free 30 day trial at AFC Fitness to experience firsthand why the Philadelphia 76ers organization chooses to train at AFC Fitness. Try everything there is to do at the clubs. Exercise on the fitness floor, swim, get instruction from trainers, relax in the sauna and whirlpool, or checkout our premier studio classes. AFC Fitness has Greater Philadelphia area gym locations in Bala Cynwyd, Jenkintown and Feasterville.