Q&A for How to Exercise

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  • Question
    What is the correct way to exercise?
    Laila Ajani
    Laila Ajani
    Fitness Trainer
    Laila Ajani is a Fitness Trainer and founder of Push Personal Fitness, a personal training organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 13 years as a trainer and exercise specialist, Laila has expertise in competitive athletics (gymnastics, powerlifting, and tennis), personal training, distance running, and Olympic lifting. Laila is certified by the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA), and USA Powerlifting (USAPL), and she is a Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES).
    Laila Ajani
    Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Balancing cardio and strength training will help you have a well-rounded exercise routine. One really good way to set up a routine is to have 3 days that you allot just for strength training, where you try to go to reps and you focus on getting physically stronger. Then, on the other 3 days, you would do something that gets your heart rate up, like going for a jog, a hike, or a bike ride. Even just doing that for 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week, you'll see results on both sides of the spectrum.
  • Question
    How do I create a workout plan?
    Laila Ajani
    Laila Ajani
    Fitness Trainer
    Laila Ajani is a Fitness Trainer and founder of Push Personal Fitness, a personal training organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 13 years as a trainer and exercise specialist, Laila has expertise in competitive athletics (gymnastics, powerlifting, and tennis), personal training, distance running, and Olympic lifting. Laila is certified by the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA), and USA Powerlifting (USAPL), and she is a Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES).
    Laila Ajani
    Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
  • Question
    Will exercise help with chronic illnesses?
    Liana Georgoulis, PsyD
    Liana Georgoulis, PsyD
    Licensed Psychologist
    Dr. Liana Georgoulis is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Los Angeles, California. She is the founder and clinical director of Coast Psychological Services. With over 12 years of experience, her mission is to provide clients with effective, well-studied, and established treatments that bring about significant improvements in her patients' lives. Her practice provides cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based therapies for adolescents, adults, and couples. Additionally, she provides group therapy for social anxiety, social skills, and assertiveness training. Providing a space where clients feel understood and supported is essential to her work. Dr. Georgoulis also provides clinical supervision to post-doctoral fellows and psychological assistants. She received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and a BA in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles.
    Liana Georgoulis, PsyD
    Licensed Psychologist
    Expert Answer
    Exercise can reduce chronic stress and anxiety, but it will also help your body keep functioning well.
  • Question
    What's the best way to exercise if you have fibromyalgia?
    Joel Giffin, PT, DPT, CHT
    Joel Giffin, PT, DPT, CHT
    Physical Therapist
    Dr. Joel Giffin is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and the Founder of Flex Physical Therapy in New York, New York. With over 15 years of experience as a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), Dr. Giffin treats the whole body and specializes in rehabilitation of the hand and upper extremities. He has treated Broadway theater performers backstage at shows such as The Lion King, Sleep No More, Tarzan, and Sister Act. Flex Physical Therapy also specializes in occupational and pelvic floor therapy. Dr. Giffin earned his Master’s degree in Physical Therapy with honors from Quinnipiac University and received his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree with distinction from Simmons College. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Society of Hand Therapists.
    Joel Giffin, PT, DPT, CHT
    Physical Therapist
    Expert Answer
    It's different for everybody with fibromyalgia, but one important thing is to not push too much. Do short bursts at a time. So rather than exercising for a full hour, maybe do 10 minutes 6 different times during the day. Monitor yourself very closely, like what bothers you and what doesn't, and have a good cool down and warm up time. If you haven't done something in a while, be very cautious about getting into it. Having a physical therapist guide you is quite important.
  • Question
    What kind of exercises should I do?
    Allison Broennimann, PhD
    Allison Broennimann, PhD
    Clinical Psychologist
    Dr. Allison Broennimann is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with a private practice based in the San Francisco Bay Area providing psychotherapy and neuropsychology services. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Broennimann specializes in in-depth psychotherapy to provide solution-focused treatments for anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief, adjustment problems, traumatic stress, and phase-of-life transitions. And as part of her neuropsychology practice, she integrates depth psychotherapy and cognitive rehabilitation for those recovering after traumatic brain injury. Dr. Broennimann holds a BA in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and an MS and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University. She is licensed by the California Board of Psychology and is a member of the American Psychological Association.
    Allison Broennimann, PhD
    Clinical Psychologist
    Expert Answer
    Look for types of exercises that you find fun. You could walk, hike, dance, lift weights, or do any other type of physical activity that you find enjoyable.
  • Question
    Is it okay to exercise even late night? Please answer
    Michele Dolan
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Yes of course. Exercise at the time that works best for you. Some people have better sleep after working out. Only if you have trouble sleeping after exercising should you consider exercising earlier.
  • Question
    How do you begin working out?
    Michele Dolan
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    One of the safest, easiest options is to start with walking every day, and build from there.
  • Question
    How do you make exercise fun?
    Michele Dolan
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Make exercise a game, have a friend join you or listen to music while exercising to make it more fun.
  • Question
    Which exercise is best for belly fat?
    Michele Dolan
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Any exercise at all that causes a sustained, elevated heart rate will burn fat from all over. You cannot target belly fat (or fat from anywhere) specifically.
  • Question
    How often should you train per week, e.g. if you take the 'Hard Routine' Plan?
    Michele Dolan
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Everyone should get 60 minutes of physical activity each day. How intense that activity will be varies depending on a person's fitness level, age and health. If someone were to do the hard routine three times a week, one hour of moderate activity per day on the other days of the week would maintain a fairly high fitness level.
  • Question
    How long should you wait to exercise after eating a meal?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It takes the gastrointestinal tract about 3 to 4 hours to completely digest a full meal. Note too that the digestion phase varies between what you are eating -- for example if you ate a banana, you can exercise after 30 minutes or 1 hour after eating it but if you ate a steak, it would take you about 3 hours before it would be good to begin exercise. That said, most people find that eating trail mix mid-hike doesn't prevent them from continuing to walk, as human beings were built to eat and move.
  • Question
    Why do I have to exercise in different ways to be totally fit?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    This is so that every muscle in your body can be targeted. Also, it provides variation so that you don't get bored and give up. If you don't like exercise, revert to what your ancestors did instead and walk everywhere, move constantly and do plenty of physical work at least once a day, such as chopping wood, gardening, carry loads or cleaning your house vigorously.
  • Question
    Is it ok to workout regularly but not doing the same exercises every time? Is moving around for 60 minutes every day helpful?
    AbigailAbernathy
    AbigailAbernathy
    Top Answerer
    Yes it's perfectly fine. In fact, changing up your workouts will actually help keep you motivated and will prevent the routine from getting boring.
  • Question
    Is it okay to feel warm inside after exercise?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    When you exercise for a minimum of 10 minutes, your heart rate will increase, therefore your blood flow will increase, making you feel warmer. This is both normal and desirable.
  • Question
    What kind of diet should I follow to maximize my results?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It depends what kind of results you are seeking. If you are looking to burn fat, then take carbs out of your diet and eat lots of protein rich food. If you are looking to bulk up, then carbs and proteins are your best friends.
  • Question
    How can I reduce tummy/midsection fat?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Walking and jogging are very helpful for removing stomach fat. Also, any core exercises ranging from sit-ups to planks and any other core exercises are good. Check your diet and eat cleanly. Make sure your diet is not mainly high in sugar and fat. Your diet is the biggest impact on your stomach fat.
  • Question
    How soon will I see results after starting these steps?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It depends on what type of body you have, how fast your metabolism is, how often you exercise, etc. Most people start seeing results in about 1 month, however.
  • Question
    Is doing yoga better than going to the gym for a regular workout?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It depends on what your goals are. If you want to relax and calm your body, then yoga is great. But if you want to lose weight, gain weight, get stronger or be more active, the gym is a better idea. In general, you don't have to sign up for a gym to get great workouts and train well, though. You can exercise without equipment.
  • Question
    I'm a diabetic. Will this work to lower my blood sugar?
    AbigailAbernathy
    AbigailAbernathy
    Top Answerer
    Exercise -- along with a healthy diet -- is actually recommended to help lower and balance out your blood sugar. Talk to your doctor about specific workouts you may do.
  • Question
    If I go for a run around the block, and then do more exercise when I come back, would that be too much exercise for my body to handle?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Probably not, but don't do this 7 days a week, keep it at 4-5 days max so you can have a few rest days. Your body needs the rest to regenerate and build muscle. Take extra time off if you find yourself getting really sore.
  • Question
    I am handicapped. Before I got an exemption from gym, I would limp badly every day after I had gym. Do I really need to exercise 60 min for 5 days a week anyway? If so, whats the point of an exemption?
    Jared Butler
    Jared Butler
    Community Answer
    Exercise benefits everyone, but you might want to talk to your doctor or a physical therapist for specific tips. They can recommend an exercise routine that meets your needs.
  • Question
    Isn't there a way to keep your body fit without changing diet?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Lots of exercise will help. Join a gym or a sports club. Regardless, your diet is important. Eating poorly results in loss of energy, inhibits muscle growth and metabolism, etc. Moderation is key.
  • Question
    How long will it take to get results?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    For most, about one month to start noticing some results. It also depends on how often you exercise and what your body type is, however.
  • Question
    Can doing exercise remove body hair permanently?
    Banana Head
    Banana Head
    Top Answerer
    No. Only if you do exercises that rub against a rough surface, such as pavement or concrete. Just running or biking will not pull out any hairs.
  • Question
    If I'm 12 should I go to the gym, or would that ban a little too extreme?
    Banana Head
    Banana Head
    Top Answerer
    If you are 12 years old, going to a gym might be a bit much for that age. Try out at-home exercises and workouts, such as planks, push-ups and squats. These are easy to do anywhere, and you can take a small break out of every day to do them.
  • Question
    Should I do different exercises depending on my age?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Unless you are very young or very old, the exercises you do will depend on your goals and physical abilities, not your age.
  • Question
    If I exercise in the morning, should I eat breakfast before or after?
    AbigailAbernathy
    AbigailAbernathy
    Top Answerer
    After. If you eat before working out, you may feel sluggish and out of it because your body is too busy digesting food to give proper blood flow to the muscles you're working.
  • Question
    How will exercising help me lose weight?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Exercising burns calories. Burning more calories than you eat is how you lose weight. So you can lose weight by eating less, by exercising more, or for best results, a combination of the two.
  • Question
    What exercises are suitable for women in their late 30s to increase energy?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Any kind of exercise you enjoy will increase your energy. Yoga or pilates are great options, but jogging, biking, zumba, or swimming are all great options, too.
  • Question
    What are some cardio exercises that I can do when I am in my bedroom? My bedroom is a small space.
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    There are very few cardio exercises you can do in a small space. You could do jumping jacks, but you'd have to do an awful lot of them. If possible, go outside and go for a run, this is much easier and more beneficial.
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