Question

Exercising Sue wants to lose weight. For healthy weight loss, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends 200 to 300 minutes of exercise per week. For the first six days of the week, Sue exercised 40,45 , \(0,50,25,\) and 35 minutes. How long should Sue exercise on the seventh day in order to stay within the ACSM guidelines?

Short answer

Sue should exercise between 5 and 105 minutes on the seventh day.

Step-by-step solution

- Calculate Total Exercise Time for Six Days

Add the minutes Sue exercised for each of the six days: 40 + 45 + 0 + 50 + 25 + 35.

- Determine the Total Exercise Time Range for the Week

According to ACSM, Sue should exercise between 200 and 300 minutes per week.

- Calculate the Additional Minutes Needed

Subtract the total exercise minutes for the six days from both 200 and 300 to find out the range of minutes Sue needs to exercise on the seventh day to meet the ACSM guidelines.

- Determine the Range for the Seventh Day

The minutes for which Sue should exercise on the seventh day should be between the calculated additional minutes from Step 3.

Key concepts

weight loss

When aiming for weight loss, consistency in exercise is key. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) suggests that engaging in 200 to 300 minutes of exercise per week can support healthy weight loss. This range helps to create a calorie deficit, which is crucial for losing weight. However, it's also important to combine exercise with a balanced diet for the best results. Exercise alone might not compensate for poor eating habits, so paying attention to nutrition is fundamental.

exercise recommendation

According to the ACSM, adults should aim for 200-300 minutes of exercise per week to manage weight effectively. This can include various types of activities such as

• walking or jogging
• cycling
• swimming
• strength training

It's best to mix different types of workouts to keep things interesting and to target different muscle groups. Balancing aerobic exercises with strength training can enhance overall fitness and improve body composition.

week

A week consists of seven days, providing ample time to distribute 200-300 minutes of exercise. In Sue's case, she exercised different amounts each day for the first six days. Recording your exercise minutes daily can help you stay on track and adjust as needed. For example, if Sue exercised a total of six days and reaches 195 minutes, she would need to exercise at least 5 more minutes on the seventh day to hit the minimum recommended by ACSM.

healthy lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle goes beyond just exercising. It involves a well-rounded approach that includes:

• a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
• regular physical activity
• adequate sleep
• stress management techniques such as meditation or yoga
• staying hydrated

Combining these elements can lead to long-term wellness and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

time management

Effective time management is crucial for integrating exercise into a busy schedule. Here are some tips:

• Plan your workouts at the start of the week
• Schedule them as you would any other important appointment
• Consider shorter, high-intensity workouts if time is limited
• Use technology, like fitness apps, to remind you of your exercise sessions

Breaking up the weekly exercise target into manageable daily goals, like Sue did, can make it easier to stay consistent and meet your weekly exercise objectives.