The other day I saw the episode of Oprah where they had the women who participated in the "20 Years Younger" program for two months. There were some dramatic changes, including one woman no longer being on blood pressure and heart medication! Another woman lost 27 pounds (and remember, this is only in a two-month span). I do have to say that I was rather appalled that the author of this book apparently suggests the use of botox, albeit slight, as part of the skin care health. Other than that, I did not have any problems with what he said. I know I am only 24 years old, so trying to take off 20 years just sounds ludicrous. My goal right now, though, is not to look younger, but to be healthy. If this program truly works, as it seems it did for each woman on the show, that means it will have health benefits for everyone, not just those women over 40. In saying this, I am indeed contemplating buying the book, but not until after I have recovered from labor and delivery.
In the mean time, I am chewing on the information he released on the show, such as the idea that everyone should have 300 minutes of aerobic exercise a week, if I remember correctly. Quite a difference from the minimum suggestion of 30 minutes three times a week that I have heard so often. This brings about some scary thoughts to me. Our country has become a country of slackers. 30 minutes three times a week? Really? The really scary thing about that suggestion? I would venture to say most Americans don't even get that!
According to the CDC (http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/index.html), adults should have a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a week, followed by at least two days where all the major muscle groups are worked via strength training. Interestingly enough, I now see, as I never looked before, that it says further down "for even greater health benefits" to bump it up to 300 minutes of moderate plus the two days of strength training. Maybe instead of buying the book I'll just finish seeing what the CDC suggests. Hahaha.
Awesomely enough, the CDC even includes information for physical fitness during pregnancy. Yes, I am now happy. Their suggestion is at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, meaning I would do my walking program at least five times. Looking at what is seen as the bare minimum now (30 min 3x week), I figured I can at least do twice that. Figuring it all up now, that would be 180 minutes a week. Well, look at that! Before I started this entry, I had decided to walk two miles every day of the week, and then either add a mile or two or do strength training on top of that. By the way, my walking program is Lesley Sanson's "Walk Away the Pounds," which is wonderful. The DVD I have has the option of either a one or two mile walk. I will walk outside when possible, but it seems to be either cold, wet, or both in my location. Now, I am definitely going to start slow with this, but I am rather excited. I already walked two miles today, and I feel wonderful.
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