A recent review published in Circulation, the American Heart Association’s journal indicated that even small amounts of activity (10-15 min/day) are good for your heart. Current recommendations are to get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of high intensity activity most days of the week. This review found that those who do this will have a 14% lower risk of heart disease compared to those who are sedentary. If you engage in twice the recommendations (300 minutes) you will lower your risk to 20% and if you do 750 minutes/week your risk drops even more to 25%. Thus showing more is better, but something’s better than nothing!
Our body’s were designed to be able to be active and move around and Dr. Dan is a true testiment to this! As you track his exercise days, his risk for heart disease based on his exercise routine is very low. Myself on the other hand do not get as much activity as he does. My goal is to get 3-5 days a week in of moderate-high intensity activity. There are times when we feel time crunched or have to tend to other obligations or responsiblities, but this review shows us that every little bit counts, so if you can only get 15-20 minutes in…go for it! It will still reduce your risk of heart disease compared to being sedentary.
I have included a picture of my little furry friends that accompany me on my runs every once in awhile. Cinch and Wrangler are our cattle working Australian Shepherd dogs on the ranch and every once awhile come with me when they have extra energy to expend. Running on gravel roads in the country has it’s challenges, but there is nothing better than getting out there with fresh air and wide open spaces. 🙂
-Kelsey
