Movement is Medicine

Although a healthy lifestyle has been often encouraged by “10,000 daily steps”, based on the latest National Physical Activity Guidelines, the new health gauge of “150 minutes per week” is recommended instead. For a regular adult, this can be clocked via moderate to vigorous physical activities such as jogging and swimming.

So why 150 minutes? According to a physiotherapist at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise is about 50 to 70% of the maximum heart rate exercise per week based on numerous international exercise guidelines. This translates to 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days a week.

Findings from SHF’s Heart Health Survey 2018, show that close to half of those surveyed (48%) may have insufficient exercise. It is important to put aside time for physical activity as a long-term investment towards good health. By doing so, you will reduce risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which result in heart problems.