People need to find time for exercising


Many people make resolutions each year to “get fit.” Some are vague about how they will pursue this goal. Others join a gym.
A lot of these very motivated people sign up for exercise programs but soon find that it is too difficult to commit so much time to physical fitness.
Researchers from the Harvard University School of Public Health reported in the journal Circulation that shorter workouts are just as good for the heart as a single, longer workout. Sedentary adults can exercise as little as 10 minutes a day and still receive benefits.
An article in The Washington Post describes an innovative program for office workers at the U.S. Department of Transportation. The fitness director, Rick Bradley, developed a “Quick Fit” program. It promised employees a productive workout in just 15 minutes.
The best part was that participants didn’t change from their work clothes and most didn’t sweat.
Quick Fit sessions have four components:
> Cardiovascular.
> Abdominal strength.
> Upper body strength.
> Total body flexibility.
The workout is accomplished through:
> 10 minutes of brisk walking on a treadmill.
> Five minutes devoted to 50 bent-knee half-sit-ups.
> One minute of stretching.
> 10 pull-ups.
“If they can work out for shorter periods more consistently, people get a great sense of accomplishment,” Bradley was quoted as saying, “and the next thing you know, they are watching their diets more carefully and picking up even more physical activity.”
Information in “Clergy Care health notes” comes from the Clergy Wellness Program.