Now you have a better idea of how often to work out, but how do you know what type of exercise you should be doing? Thankfully, it's not complicated.
"There are many different ways of working out," Cruz says, and you can generally do whatever you like best. (After all, the best workout is the one you enjoy doing and want to keep coming back to.) "You can do an interval-style workout on the elliptical, resistance train using cables or free weights, or even take a group class," he says. Remember that the HHS even counts things like brisk walking, raking leaves, or carrying things up the stairs as physical activity, too.
All in all, variety and consistency are the key. By continuing to do similar workouts and exercises over time, you'll feel the movements get easier, and you'll get that satisfying feeling of moving up to the next pair of dumbbells. If you're sticking with three days per week, Cruz recommends breaking those days up into upper-body, lower-body, and core and cardio workouts. You'll be able to get the benefits of both strength training and cardio — which are equally important in maintaining your health and staying strong and healthy for life.
