How Much Exercise Per Day Is the Wrong Question

How Much Exercise Per Day Is Recommended by experts?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides clear guidelines on how much exercise per day adults need to maintain their health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Adults should aim for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly, such as brisk walking, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, such as running. Additionally, the CDC recommends incorporating muscle-strengthening activities twice a week, such as lifting weights or doing yoga. These guidelines equate to about 20 to 40 minutes of exercise per day.

However, applying these recommendations often raises questions. For example, what does moderate-intensity activity mean? How do muscle-strengthening exercises fit into an already busy lifestyle? Without detailed guidance, many people are left searching for practical solutions.

This gap in specificity is compounded by a significant issue: most doctors lack the training to prescribe exercise effectively. According to the *Medical Journal of Australia*, the majority of medical professionals receive fewer than 20 hours of formal education on exercise during their training. Despite physical activity being a cornerstone of health, this educational shortfall leaves physicians ill-equipped to counsel patients on how to integrate movement into their lives. As a result, patients often miss out on tailored advice that could help them fully utilize the benefits of regular exercise.

More on the Health of Physicians and the Gap in Their Education

The limitations of exercise and movement training in medical education not only impact patients but also affect the health of physicians themselves. Many doctors face challenges in maintaining optimal physical health, partially due to the lack of emphasis on exercise during their education.

Lack of Training in Exercise Prescription

Research highlights the need for better training in exercise prescription. A study published in the *Canadian Medical Education Journal* revealed that medical residents want more robust training in exercise counseling. Similarly, the *British Columbia Medical Journal* found that a lack of knowledge or training in this area is one of the most significant barriers to physicians confidently recommending exercise to their patients. Without proper education, doctors struggle to provide actionable advice, leaving patients without the guidance they need to determine the specific movement their body is asking for in addition to how much exercise per day is appropriate for them.

Impact on Physicians' Personal Health 

Physicians who lack training in exercise prescription often struggle with their own physical activity. The *Medical Journal of Australia* emphasized the need for healthcare organizations and medical schools to implement programs that promote the physical well-being of clinicians. Without prioritizing their own health, it becomes challenging for doctors to lead by example or inspire confidence in their recommendations.

Exercise is Medicine Initiative

The "Exercise is Medicine" initiative addresses this issue by advocating for the integration of physical activity into healthcare. It emphasizes that medical professionals should be physically active themselves to better counsel patients. This initiative highlights the importance of physicians leading by example and demonstrating the health benefits of regular movement.

In summary, the lack of comprehensive training in exercise prescription affects both patients and medical professionals. Addressing this gap is crucial not just for improving public health but also for fostering healthier lifestyles among physicians themselves.

The Shift from How Much Exercise Per Day to What Your Body Needs

While the CDC’s recommendation of 150 to 300 minutes of physical activity per week answers the question, "how much exercise per day?", it doesn’t address the more critical question: What does your specific body need right now? For most people, the key lies in focusing on the physical tasks they perform daily.

This is where Feelness bridges the gap. Instead of relying solely on time-based activity guidelines, Feelness starts with the question:

How do you feel when performing these 9 essential daily tasks?

1. Getting out of bed
2. Walking
3. Reaching up High 
4. Sitting
5. Getting up from a Chair
6. Bending over
7. Getting down to the Floor
8. Getting up from the Floor
9. Looking over Your Shoulder

If your answer to any of these tasks is “needs work” instead of “feels good,” you’ve identified where to focus your effort. This approach transforms the question "how much exercise per day?" into "what specific activities will help me feel better?"

By prescribing these fundamental movements, Feelness ensures that every minute of physical activity is meaningful. Instead of following generic workouts, you focus on targeted movements that directly enhance your daily life, improving comfort, mobility, and function.

A Simple System for Everyday Health, for Life

When you can perform the nine daily tasks without physical complaints, you’ve done the work your body truly needs. This functional approach not only meets the CDC’s activity recommendations but also ensures your body can move as it was designed, providing comfort and reliability in your daily life. 

Feelness fills the gaps left by generic guidelines and undertrained medical professionals by offering a tailored system that helps you fulfill the recommended activity levels by addressing your body’s specific needs.

Take the guesswork out of how to feel good and live well.

 Subscribe to Feelness today and start building a body that feels great for life. And while you’re at it, share this innovative system with your doctor, so they can help others benefit just like you are.