A visit to your doctor typically means an overall checkup, and if you're suffering from a particular ailment, a prescription to help you get better. Well, that now includes physical activity. Yep, exercise is (finally) being considered a "vital sign" to be measured like your blood pressure.
What this means is that based off your vitals, doctors are suggesting a level of exercise and for some patients, referring them to certified trainers or physical therapists who can create a customized fitness regimen to help with conditions like asthma or diabetes.
This move is a result of a program, Exercise is Medicine, that is overseen by the American College of Sports Medicine. This initiative encourages health-care providers and primary-care doctors to incorporate physical activity into treatment plans.
More: 45-Minute Cardio Workout
We don't hate it, especially if these efforts will help get people up and moving towards a healthier lifestyle. And if you're looking to shake things up right now, here are three workouts that'll help to sculpt and tone:
8-Minute Workout to Tone Your Whole Body This at-home routine has got everything you need for a full-body sweat session. Think flash dance, leg lift and cross boxing.
30 workouts, 30 minutes Bored with the treadmill or elliptical? Then you've got to try one of these cardio-powered workouts.
The HIITman workout Activate all of your major muscle groups and burn a ton of calories in less time with this high-intensity interval training routine.
More: Interval Workouts to Speed Up Your Metabolism
Stay in shape in a fitness class.
