Page 8 - Methodist Health System | Methodist Dallas Medical Center | Shine | Spring 2013

Are you a fitness genius? Test your knowledge with this “fit or false” quiz.
1. I just don’t have time to go to the gym! But if I stick to a nutritious
diet and maintain a normal weight, I don’t need to make time
to exercise.
FALSE. While it is important to maintain a healthy diet, physical activity is
an essential part of keeping your body healthy. Try taking a few 10-minute
exercise breaks throughout the day, walking laps on your lunch break, or
climbing a few flights of stairs for an afternoon pick-me-up.
2. Exercise can lower my chance of developing heart disease.
FIT. “Exercising improves blood circulation, which can also reduce
the risk of heart disease,” says Gaurav Gupta, MD, independently
practicing cardiologist on the medical staff at Methodist Dallas
Medical Center.
3. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
recommends 15 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise
most days per week.
FALSE. The minimum for daily exercise is 30 to 60 minutes. How do you
know if you’re exercising at a moderate intensity? “Examples of moderate-
intensity exercise include brisk walking, riding your bike in a park, or
taking a low-impact aerobics class,” says Karen Taylor, employee health
coach at Methodist Dallas. “Anything that gets your heart rate up and
makes you break a sweat can count toward your daily goal.”
4. I don’t have to join a gym in order to reach my health goals.
FIT. Time spent working in your garden, walking the dog, or playing
with your kids at the playground can all count toward your daily physical
activity goal. You can also go for a jog around your neighborhood, take a
leisurely bike ride, or invest in a fun exercise DVD.
5. The old adage is true: No pain, no gain.
FALSE. Exercise too hard or too often, and you might do more harm than
good. Not giving your body time to rest can increase the risk of stress
injuries, such as tendonitis, or lead to increased soreness.
If you’re ready to begin a new exercise regimen, contact your physician
first to make sure that the fitness goals you set for yourself are healthy ones.
Don’t have a physician? Visit MethodistHealthSystem.org/FindAPhysician or call
214-947-0000 today.
Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical
staff are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System or Methodist
Dallas Medical Center.
info
Fit or false?
FITNESS ▸
Need a little help to get started
on your fitness plan? You can
find tips, guidelines, and more
at MethodistHealthSystem.org/
HealthLibrary.
8 Methodist Dallas Medical Center • ❁ Spring 2013