08/17/2026
Getting and Staying Active
Movement is one of the most powerful tools you have for supporting weight loss—but the benefits go far beyond the scale. Better mood, clearer thinking, improved sleep, stronger muscles, and greater mobility are all things you can start feeling relatively quickly, often before the number on the scale moves much at all. Finding an approach that fits your life and that you enjoy is what makes the difference between a short burst of effort and a lasting habit.
Cardio and strength training work best together
Cardiovascular movement (walking, swimming, cycling, dancing) burns energy, boosts oxygen intake, and supports overall heart health. Incorporating High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) can further improve cardiovascular efficiency, reduce resting heart rate, and optimize energy production in heart cells. Strength training preserves and builds muscle mass, which is critical because muscle is more metabolically active than fat, helping to combat age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) and ensuring your body burns more calories even at rest. Together, cardiovascular activity and resistance training enhance endothelial function, improve systemic blood flow, support bone density, maintain joint mobility, and help regulate blood sugar levels.
If you're new to exercise, start with whatever feels most accessible and build from there. Low-impact activities like swimming or walking are gentle on the joints while still delivering substantial cardiovascular and metabolic benefits.
How much is enough
Around 150 minutes of moderate activity per week is a widely recommended baseline target, but that's a goal to work towards rather than a week-one requirement. Breaking it into smaller chunks works just as well—ten minutes here, 15 minutes there—because cumulative activity adds up effectively. Complement your aerobic activity by aiming for at least 2 to 4 strength or resistance training sessions per week.
Everyday movement matters more than you think
Steps taken, stairs climbed, and walking during daily routines contribute significantly to overall energy expenditure and metabolic health. In particular, taking a brief 10 to 15-minute walk starting 15 to 30 minutes after meals helps draw glucose directly into active muscle tissue without requiring high levels of insulin. This light post-meal movement stabilizes blood sugar levels, improves metabolic flexibility, and prevents the sharp energy spikes and crashes that fuel fatigue.
Try this
Think about one type of movement you've enjoyed in the past or have been curious about. What would it take to try it this week—even for just 10 minutes or right after a meal.