How much exercise do you really need?

Remember that morning you spent digging up hosta? I have good news: it counts toward your overall, daily physical activity.

You already know exercise is good for your health. Regular activity keeps your mind calm, wards off disease, and give you energy to get through your day.

But how often and how long do you have to log sweat sessions to maintain these health benefits?

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, 150 minutes of moderate level activity each week will do it. This activity can be broken down however it works into your schedule, too. This means running the stairs in your office several times over the course of the day is just as effective as a longer workout on the treadmill.

The Department also stresses a focus on physical activity as opposed to exercise. A gym or a track, then, aren’t the only places to get fit and in shape. All you have to do is find a household chore to begin logging your activity! You can count shoveling snow, vacuuming, picking up toys, and scrubbing down the bathrooms when you log your activity for the week. That makes chores a little more appealing, don’t you think?