Strength Training in Health Psychology

Strength Training in Health Psychology In addition to the aerobic exercise, supplement your program with muscle strengthening and stretching exercises. Strength training is another way for you to meet the recommended minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each day. Strength training will help you burn extra calories, build strong muscles, bones, and joints, and improve your physical functioning. The stronger your muscles, the longer you will be able to keep going during aerobic activity, and the less chance of injury. Experts recommend strength training 2 to 3 days each week, with 1 full day of rest between workouts to allow your muscles to recover. If you are new to strength training or physical activity in general, consider hiring a certified personal trainer who can plan an individualized program to help you work out safely and effectively.

How Much? How Often?
Experts recommend that you do some form of aerobic exercise at least three times a week for a minimum
of 20 continuous minutes. Of course, if that is too much, start with a shorter time span and gradually build
up to the minimum. Then gradually progress until you are able to work aerobically for 20-40 minutes. If you
need to lose a large amount of weight, you may want to do your aerobic workout five times a week.
It is important to exercise at an intensity vigorous enough to cause your heart rate and breathing to increase.
How hard you should exercise depends to a certain degree on your age, and is determined by measuring
your heart rate in beats per minute.