Members
The Science Behind ABE
A-B-E is an evidence-based program based on recent physical activity guidelines (1).
Adults need at least 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week and muscle-strengthening activity on 2 or more days a week that works all major muscle groups.
A-B-E for Fitness is a powerful, efficient and functional part of your
weekly physical activity plan and will help you achieve these recommendations.
Recent studies have shown that physical activity accumulated in brief bouts spread over the course of a day is "powerful medicine" and provides many of the benefits recognized from longer daily bouts (2,3). That means that you can divide your daily allotment of physical activity into short bursts of activity throughout the day.
Accumulated activity bursts can
· Improve your health status and well-being
· Foster weight maintenance
· Increase your energy levels
· Reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer
· Reduce stress and improve mood
· Improve productivity at work and school (2,4)
(1) www.health.gov/Paguidelines/pdf/paguide.pdf
(2) Murphy M.H., Blair S.N., Murtagh E.M. Accumulated versus Continuous Exercise for Health Benefit. Sports Med 2009; 39 (1): 29-43
(3) Haskell WL, Lee I, Pate RR, et al. Physical activity and public health: updates recommendation for adults from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2007; 39 (8): 1423-34