Exercise
Well-balanced fitness includes stamina, strength, and flexibility.
Regular Moderate Exercise
*Always talk to your physician before starting an exercise program.
The emphasis in the Dr. Dean Ornish Lifestyle Program is on regular, moderate exercise. Research studies have shown that most of the health benefits from exercise are achieved when an individual transitions from not exercising to becoming moderately active. Slightly more benefits are gained from increasing the duration or intensity of the exercise. But, there is a risk-benefit ratio that may be different for each person. Therefore, the comprehensive lifestyle change program encourages participants to exercise aerobically a minimum of 30 minutes a day or for an hour every other day for a total of 3-5 hours of aerobic exercise per week. More intense exercise is allowed if medically appropriate and if desired by the participant. Resistive or strength training exercise is also crucial to maintaining health. If medically appropriate, participants are also encouraged to engage in strength training exercise 2-3 times per week.
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