(HealthDayNews) -- How much exercise is enough? To raise your HDL (good cholesterol) level, about 30 minutes of good aerobic exercise -- the kind that makes you breath a little harder -- several times a week could do the trick. That amount also can help you control your weight, lower your blood pressure and burn off some of the stress in your life, says the Presbyterian Hospitals of Greenville & Commerce (TX).
Depending on the person and his or her goals, programs can include brisk walking, running, swimming, cycling, dancing, jumping rope, skating, and even such active sports as basketball.
More "passive" exercises could include
gardening, a leisurely evening stroll or "anything that can get you off the couch and on the road to better health," the hospitals' Health Tip says.
It's always wise to consult your doctor before starting any kind of rigorous exercise program.
