My short answer to this question is No! Unless you’re a professional athlete, Olympic contender or growing junior athlete who only trains in one sport, you’re probably getting too much rest. With 2/3 of Americans clinically obese, the incidence of diabetes and heart disease (despite reduced rates of cigarette smoking nationally over the last 20 years) on the rise, and many lifestyle related cancers increasing, we should be getting some form of exercise EVERY day. According to a March 1st, 2017 article in Men’s Health Magazine (“7 Suprising Ways You Wreck Your Body When You Don’t Get Off Your Butt”) a sedentary lifestyle can also contribute to dementia, mood disorders, some types of cancer, sexual dysfunction, less restful sleep, and lower back problems. That is especially true as we age!! The American Heart Association recommends a minimum of 30 minutes of movement a day… every day! Even a 20 minute walk or stretching video will improve our health, mood and appearance, and let’s face it – I know I’m going to make some enemies here – we look and feel better in our clothes when we’re not packing on extra weight. So even if you are a weight lifter/body builder, it’s still a great idea to take a gentle yoga class, a nice walk, or play ball with your kids or dog, etc. on the days you aren’t slaying in the gym. If you are blessed to be able to move, whatever that looks like, do it! -LM💗
Lisa Melora 