"The groundwork of all happiness is health." - Leigh Hunt

A balanced approach to fitness is vital.

A walking program is sweet for you. Likewise resistance or weight training; Balance exercises help improve your athletic abilities and keep you independent.

Current US physical activity guidelines emphasize all three features of fitness. Here are the recommendations:

  • All adults – including those with various disabilities – should aim for not less than 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or an equivalent combination of the 2, throughout the week.
  • Twenty minutes of moderate activity is concerning the same as 10 minutes of vigorous activity. During moderate activities, you’ll be able to talk, but not sing; During vigorous activity, you’ll be able to only manage just a few words out loud without pausing for breath. Increasing time—as much as 300 minutes of moderate activity, or 150 minutes of vigorous activity, or a mix—increases the health advantages achieved.
  • Strengthening activities are also really helpful twice weekly for all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms).
  • Balance exercises are especially necessary for older adults susceptible to falling.
  • Flexibility exercises will also be helpful.

This much activity is a really lofty goal, and might feel overwhelming. If you’ll be able to't meet all the rules, experts suggest doing as much as you’ll be able to. Some activities will not be at all times higher than none. Even small activities, akin to a five-minute walk several times a day, are an excellent first step toward achieving a bigger goal.

Photo: Dan Mitchell/Getty Images

No material on this site, no matter date, needs to be used as an alternative choice to direct medical advice out of your doctor or other qualified practitioner.