Science says to loosen up your definition of exercise.
Science says to loosen up your definition of exercise. When women pursued activities that made them happy – biking in the park, playing volleyball, chasing their kids – without focusing on intensity or duration, they were more active than those with stricter views on exercise (for example, it only counts if it lasts at least 30 minutes or makes you sweat profusely). This is according to a new study in the journal BMC Public Health. Researchers believe that’s likely because these women made exercise fit in with their daily lives, and didn’t think of it as a separate, scheduled time commitment. “There are an infinite number of ways to move, and all of them are valid,” says Michelle Segar, a co-author of the study. She recommends finding feel-good options like a dance class, or adding a meaningful twist to your routine – say, training for a race with a buddy rather than running solo.
