Exercise and Peak Performance

Yet, not everybody is as motivated to exercise–some of us are “couch potatoes” and others “triathloners.” For the later, exercise, in and by itself, is intrinsically motivating. For the rest of us, we have to find other reasons to do the exercise, even if we hate it!

Plenty of research shows the critical importance for health: lower weight, reduction in muscle and joint problems, lower cholesterol and heart disease, lower incidence of diabetes, improvement in depression and anxiety, and a greater sense of well-being once we get going with it and develop a habit.

The most recent research shows that, for most people, 30-minutes of aerobic activity, 3-4 times per week, but provides the necessary benefits. For people with clinical conditions, how much and what regimens are best will need to be developed individually. The gym trainer, as good as they truly are, may not have sufficient training and expertise to provide proper counsel about your needs.

Other important activities, walking, gardening, and even housework, can be considered aerobic activities, depending on how much intensity we apply.