Calories Expended During Exercise

Activity:
Weight:
Time:
 
Calories:
Nearly half of young people between 12 and 21 years old are not vigorously active on a regular basis.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
eZine: Departments : Fitness  


Ask the Wellness Coach
From: WCA Wellness Coach
April 01,2010
Print Article Forward Article To A Friend


Is it a good idea to begin exercising again, after not doing it for a while, during times of great stress? —Bill in Charlotte, NC

I’m not sure what type of stress you’re dealing with at present, but exercise is an excellent form of stress management. When your body is subjected to chronic stress, it undergoes physical and emotional changes. Physically, your body releases certain hormones in reaction to a stressful situation, which causes an increase in your heart rate, breathing frequency, and blood pressure. If the stressful situation is a chronic stressor such as a divorce or death in the family, these factors stay elevated and can lead to other more serious complications such as heart disease or stroke. 
Therefore, some positive stress on your heart through exercise is a natural way to relieve some of these factors. As little as one exercise session can provide a positive effect on your blood pressure and heart rate. With regular exercise over time, your resting heart rate and blood pressure will decrease, better preparing you to deal with current and future stressors. 
The key to avoiding any injuries while exercising is to start slowly and progress as you feel your body has adapted to the new activity. For example, if in the past you were running at 6 m.p.h. on a treadmill for 3 miles, try walking at 3.5 m.p.h. for 1 mile then running at 5 m.p.h. for 1 mile, gradually increasing your distance and speed. 
Use exercise as a good stress reliever and hopefully you can reap the benefits of a regular exercise program.  

—WCA Wellness Coach Kelly Geppi, MS, CES

Read other "Ask the Wellness Coach" answers, or ask a question of your own.