"The groundwork of all happiness is health." - Leigh Hunt

A balanced approach to fitness is vital.

A walking program is nice for you. Likewise resistance or weight training; Balance exercises help improve your athletic abilities and keep you independent.

Current US physical activity guidelines emphasize all three facets of fitness. Here are the recommendations:

  • All adults – including those with various disabilities – should aim for not less than 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or an equivalent combination of the 2, throughout the week.
  • Twenty minutes of moderate activity is concerning the same as 10 minutes of vigorous activity. During moderate activities, you may talk, but not sing; During vigorous activity, you may only manage a couple of words out loud without pausing for breath. Increasing time—as much as 300 minutes of moderate activity, or 150 minutes of vigorous activity, or a mix—increases the health advantages achieved.
  • Strengthening activities are also really helpful twice weekly for all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms).
  • Balance exercises are especially necessary for older adults vulnerable to falling.
  • Flexibility exercises can be helpful.

This much activity is a really lofty goal, and may feel overwhelming. If you may't meet all the rules, experts suggest doing as much as you may. Some activities aren't all the time higher than none. Even small activities, similar to a five-minute walk several times a day, are an excellent first step toward achieving a bigger goal.

Photo: Dan Mitchell/Getty Images

No material on this site, no matter date, ought to be used as an alternative to direct medical advice out of your doctor or other qualified practitioner.