Editor’s Note: This is a guest post by Keith Tangente, a member of the Willowdale Church and GoodLife Personal Trainer.
As April winds down and warmer weather approaches, many people look to get more active—but not everyone understands what exercise truly is or what makes it effective. According to a quick Google search (Oxford Languages), exercise is defined as “activity requiring physical effort, carried out to sustain or improve health and fitness.” While many think of gym workouts or running, exercise can take many different forms beyond these common options.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), they recommend
- at least 60 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous activity for ages 5–17
- 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week for adults (18–65+), with greater benefits achieved through 75 minutes of vigorous activity
It’s also important to understand that these recommendations go beyond simply being active—they emphasize purposeful movement. Exercise should include activities that build strength for muscles and bones, not just cardiovascular fitness, and should be tailored to individual goals, fitness levels, and lifestyles to support consistency.
Now, many of us might be asking, “How would I fit that much time into an already busy schedule?” As a personal trainer at GoodLife, I recommend dedicating at least three days per week to resistance training and two days to cardiovascular exercise. When aligned with WHO guidelines, this works out to about 50–60 minute sessions, with the flexibility to be reworked even further if needed.
Ultimately, effective exercise doesn’t have to be complicated. It comes down to balancing strength and cardio, working at the right intensity, and staying consistent—turning exercise into a sustainable part of a healthier lifestyle. As Seventh-day Adventists, we’re reminded that our bodies are temples, and caring for them through regular movement is one simple way we can honor God. Next week, I’ll dive deeper into the best types of activities you can incorporate to support a healthier, more active lifestyle.