When it comes to exercise we each determine what we can or cannot do, and how hard we push ourselves. Some follow the all-or-nothing principle, believing that if exercise is good for you it has to be hard, even painful. Then along came last year’s Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity, detailing the benefits of moderate physical activity. It was then that people began questioning exactly what “moderate activity” means.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO PUT OUT A LOT TO GAIN A LOT

This perceived exertion scale shows you how little exertion is required to benefit from regular physical activity. It is used by exercisers to rate their exertion during any type of fitness program. Exercise rated in the 11 to 15 range is enough to improve cardiovascular condition. But even less than that — exertion rated in the 8 to 12 range, which is very light to moderate activity — can bring many health benefits.

LIMITLESS OPTIONS

There are few limitations on what types of activities you can do at a moderate intensity. The Surgeon General’s Report includes a recommendation that everyone accumulate 30 minutes or more of physical activity on most or all days of the week. Brisk walking is the most popular choice since it can easily be incorporated into a busy day, has low injury rates, doesn’t require special skills or equipment, and can be done by anyone at any age. But don’t forget the things you do everyday.

Gardening provides a multitude of opportunities for improving muscle strength, as does waxing the car or vacuuming the carpet.

One of the appealing aspects of this type of exercise program is that the amount of exercise you need to accumulate can be adapted according to the length of time, intensity or frequency with which you exercise. To see an example of how activities measure up to one another in relation to time and intensity, see the box to the left.

THE ROAD AHEAD

Now that you know physical activity need not be overly strenuous to be beneficial, it’s time to get started. To insure that you’re able to stick with exercise, choose activities you enjoy that can easily become part of your routine.

Begin slowly, giving the body time to adjust, and work up to the desired amount and intensity. If you have any chronic health problems, or are at risk for any (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, obesity), consult with your physician before starting any activity.

Examples Of Moderate Amounts Of Activity

Washing and waxing a car for 45-60 minutes

Washing windows or floors for 45-60 minutes

Playing volleyball for 45 minutes

Playing touch football for 30-45 minutes

Gardening for 30-45 minutes

Wheeling self in wheelchair for 30-40 minutes

Walking 13⁄4 miles in 35 minutes (20 min/mile)

Basketball (shooting baskets) for 30 minutes

Bicycling 5 miles in 30 minutes

Dancing fast (social) for 30 minutes

Pushing a stroller 11⁄2 miles in 30 minutes

Raking leaves for 30 minutes

Walking 2 miles in 30 minutes (15 min/mile)

Water aerobics for 30 minutes

Swimming laps for 20 minutes

Wheelchair basketball for 20 minutes

Basketball (playing a game) for 15-20 minutes

Bicycling 4 miles in 15 minutes

Jumping rope for 15 minutes

Running 11⁄2 miles in 15 minutes (10 min/mile)

Shoveling snow for 15 minutes

Stairwalking for 15 minutes

Reprinted from the Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health