No Time For exercise

Q: What is the least amount of exercise that will help my heart and help me lose weight? I have a busy schedule, but I want to get in shape.

A: Physical activity, such as walking, should be one of the highest priorities of a weight-loss and heart-healthy program. The American Heart Association recommends 30–60 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days a week.

Finding an activity you really like is key to being able to stick with it over time. For your busy schedule, try to fit in 30 minutes of exercise a day in increments of 10 minutes. Add small activities to your daily routine, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking in the halls at work when you’re brainstorming, or walking during your lunch break. You’ll be surprised how quickly your activity can add up.

Jennifer H. Mieres, M.D., is director of nuclear cardiology and associate professor of clinical medicine at New York University. She’s also a spokesperson for the American Heart Association.