Forever Healthy
Kevin Kelly, L.R.D.
If I eat a candy bar that has 170 calories, how long should I exercise to burn away those calories?
There isn't a good answer to that question. We all have seen the calorie burning charts showing us how many calories are used up by various exercises. These charts are only averages, usually based on a 150 pound person. At best, they are no more than guidelines, just like the height/weight charts. An exercise program should not be based on the number of calories in a food. A well designed exercise program has three components: intensity (how hard one works out), frequency (how often one works out each week), and duration (how long one works out each time). It is important to have an exercise program designed based on individual needs and goals. Another important part of exercise is consistency. Weeks, months, and years of exercising have a cumulative effect. Forget the charts and focus on how your exercise program is an investment in your health.
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