Routine exercise offers several benefits, including weight control and stronger, more flexible muscles. Although the Department of Health and Human Services has suggestions on how frequently you should exercise, certain factors can determine your gym regimen.
3 Factors That Affect Exercise Frequency
1. Overall Health
If you’re new to working out, your physician may recommend exercising three to four times a week for 15 to 20 minutes. You can increase the duration and number of days as you progress. Recovering from a serious illness or injury impacts working out as well. Your doctor may suggest doing moderate physical activity every other day as long as it doesn’t cause pain or serious fatigue.
2. Age
Older individuals with little to no exercise experience should safely work out according to their doctor’s orders. People who are over the age of 60 should be gentle on their bodies and focus on strength-training instead of cardio. Additionally, muscles lose mass as we age, making weight training essential to avoiding several health complications, like hypertrophy.
People in their 20s can exercise more frequently and rigorously. It’s recommended that this age range performs strength training and cardio six times a week.
3. Fitness Goals
Physicians and trainers use their patients’ fitness goals to create personalized workout regimens at gyms and home. For example, if your goal is to stay healthy, reduce stress, and build lean muscle, opt for 30 minutes of exercise per day with two or three strength-training sessions a week. Any amount of daily physical activity is better than none, and you can always build on what you’re currently doing to avoid injuries and fatigue.
Visit one of our two The Club Maui gyms on the westside of Maui, HI, after consulting a physician about your workout goals. This family-oriented gym provides its members with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and personal training. Call (808) 868-2582 to learn more.