When it comes to fitness, most of us struggle to figure out how much we really need to exercise in order to see results. Running around between work and family, exercise often comes third, fourth, maybe even lower on our list of priorities, so wouldn’t it be great if our most fit self could be achieved with minimal effort? That’s exactly what this recent article from Tech Insider addresses.
Historically speaking, humans are a nomadic, hunter gatherer species that had to move to survive. It’s no surprise, then, that regular exercise like daily walking leads to various health benefits as well as a lower risk of depression, heart disease, etc. In recent studies, scientists have determined that “15 minutes of daily moderate activity” or “running for five to ten minutes per day” were both associated with a reduced risk of early death. When added up, that’s less than the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommended amount of weekly exercise. That’s great news for those of us who don’t enjoy hitting the gym five days a week. But what about those of us who pretty much live at the gym?
In similar studies, it was determined that “exercising vigorously for more than 12.5 hours per week” or about 100 minutes a day didn’t show any increase in reduced mortality rates or additional health benefits. Essentially, there’s a limit to how much exercise actually makes a difference. But what does this mean for each of us as individuals on our journey to being healthy and happy?
Our genetic make-up, our DNA, determines who we are. It also determines the way our bodies respond to even the minimum amount of exercise. While studies like the one addressed in this article are important in giving people motivation to get moving and achieve overall health, they aren’t great at moving people towards more individualized exercise regimes. One size doesn’t fit all. Fifteen minutes of moderate activity may decrease certain health risks, but when it comes to weight loss, fifteen minutes will do more good for some than it will for others.
There are certain genes in our DNA that relate to how our body responds to exercise. For some, copious amounts of cardio might give little results simply because fat loss and fitness response to cardio is low. Or maybe some people respond greater to strength training than cardio. Some people may even have a low response to both cardio and strength training. All of this varies person to person simply because of our genetic make-up. That’s why it’s crucial to understand what’s going on within our own bodies before we can read generalized studies about health and fitness. While it doesn’t hurt at all to do a minimum of fifteen minutes of exercise a day, it’s not the universal truth.
Genetic testing seems like the stuff of the future, but as it becomes cheaper and more accessible, it becomes an incredible tool in the realm of personal fitness. Programs like GxSlim give each of us the power to literally harness our own bodies and shape them into what we have always wanted them to be. It’s not always about weight loss or that perfect six pack, sometimes it’s just about feeling healthy. Why wouldn’t we focus on ourselves when deciding how much we really need to exercise and what kind of exercise we need to be doing? So next time you read an article about how you can get results fast with minimal effort, take it with a grain of salt. It never hurts to get moving, but always be sure to keep yourself in mind. Your DNA really holds the answer to all of your exercise questions.
