How Much Exercise Is Enough?

When it comes to exercise, just how much is enough? With all of the flashy exercises programs out there it is sometimes hard to see through the clutter. At On Target Living, we have an emphasis on quality over quantity. Just as you should improve the quality of your foods the same is true of your exercise program.

Since we are all crunched for time–make the limited time you have count by bumping up the intensity of your workouts and limiting the overall time spent. (Less is always best in our book)

High intensity exercise is anything that elevates your heart rate and increases your breath. It can actually stimulate fat-burning hormones like human growth hormone and testosterone which can help to improve metabolism and weight loss. High intensity exercise also generates more power which activates our larger muscle groups helping to tone the body and build strength.

Want a strong, lean body? Then high intensity exercise may be right for you.

High intensity exercise can also help lower your fat-storing and stress hormone, cortisol which can affect your sleep and performance.

If you can run on the treadmill or work out on the elliptical for an entire hour, it may be time to ask yourself “is this really improving my overall fitness level? I am seeing results?” (Of course, if you are training for a marathon or a long race this may be a different story).

Of course, high intensity day in and day out can be difficult to maintain which is why we always recommend taking a day or two off each week to let the body recover. At On Target Living we also stress that daily movement is the real fountain of youth and it’s important to find an activity that you enjoy–high intensity or not.

Want to know what our ideal fitness program looks like? Check it out here!