Eating Schedule And Factors Of Exercise

Your eating schedule and a planned exercise regimen are the key parts to any weight-loss or fitness program. What you eat, how much you eat, and when you eat determines the amount of energy your body has to perform daily activities. The type of exercise and exercise frequency can determine how hard your body has to work to maintain your weight and keep your bones strong. There are many factors of exercise that play into a successful fitness program. It is important that you create program specific to your body type, fitness level and fitness goals. This paired with a healthy diet will improve your success rate.

Eating Schedule

Many people are accustomed to eating just three meals a day. While this can be effective in maintaining or losing weight, it often leaves a feeling of hunger in between meals and causes overeating during the next meal. According to the FamilyDoctor.org, some people benefit more if they eat five to six smaller meals throughout the day, about two to three hours apart. Do not skip any meals --- especially breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it jump starts your metabolism so your body can have enough energy to operate during the day.

Aerobic Activity

Aerobic activity is one of the main factors of exercise. It has a positive affect on your heart, lungs and blood flow. MayoClinic.com suggests that individuals participate in at least 30 minutes of daily aerobic activity such as walking bicycling or swimming. Aerobic activity can be beneficial regardless of age, weight or fitness level. Besides managing weight, aerobic activity will ward off viral illnesses, increase your stamina and manage chronic conditions. Before engaging in any aerobic activity, consult your physician about any exercise limitations.

Resistance/Strength Training

Resistance or strength training is another vital factor of exercise. MayoClinic.com says it can help you tone your muscles, improve your appearance and fight age-related muscle loss. Many people fear strength training because of its difficult appearance and the false believe that it take a large amount of time. Dr. Edward Laskowski, co-director of the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center, recommends two or three 20- or 30-minute weight training sessions a week for significant improvements for beginners. Stronger muscles also speed up your metabolism, which allows your body to burn more calories at rest.

Exercise Frequency and Duration

How often you workout and for how long is just as important as which exercise you do and what you eat. Frequency and duration of exercise is certainly dependent upon your individual fitness level. Longer, less frequent sessions of aerobic exercise has no clear advantage over shorter, more frequent sessions of activity. Some experts suggest three to five days of 25 to 30 minutes of physical activity. Still, any physical activity is better than none.