Start Exercising!

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) provides information about safe and effective physical activity. Here are their answers to some frequently asked questions:

  • Will Exercise Help Me Live Longer? Yes. Moderate exercise can help improve digestion and sleep, reduce stress, provide endurance and help manage lower back pain, arthritis and diabetes.
  • Can I Really Spot Reduce? If Not, What Can I Do To Get Rid Of Fat In Those Hard To Get At Places? Exercise equipment may improve muscle tone, strength or endurance, but it can’t increase fat-burning in one particular area. To lose weight combine a low-fat diet with an exercise program that includes aerobic activity and strength training.
  • How Hard Must I Exercise For An Effect To Take Place? Will A Little Exercise Do Any Good? Physical activity that is painful can be harmful. Moderate activity reduces the risk of coronary heart disease. Even if you break up your daily 30-minute exercise into three sessions of 10 minutes, it can work.
  • Is There Any Value To Walking? Yes. Walking regularly can help reduce blood pressure, increase cardiovascular endurance, boost bone strength, burn calories and keep weight down. Walk a minimum of 30 minutes a day if doing for exercise.
  • How Can I Achieve Washboard Abs? A good cardiovascular program and diet combined with abdominal exercises performed correctly can tone stomach muscles.
  • Can I Get a Good Workout By Swimming or Doing Aqua Exercises? Yes. Water exercise is non-impact and works for all ages. The buoyancy of water reduces the weight of a person by about 90% and encompasses cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, endurance and flexibility.
  • Do Women Need to Worry about Bulking Up When Exercising? No. Due to genetics, only 10% of women will build muscle. To avoid gaining bulk, concentrate on high repetitions, low weight and variety in your aerobic exercise routine.


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Last Updated 11/2006
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