The U.S. surgeon general recommends sedentary people try to burn at least 150 calories a day to stay healthy. The amount of exercise it would take for a 150-pound person to meet that requirement would include:

Walk on a treadmill: 4 mph, 32 minutes

Jog slowly on a treadmill: 5 mph, 18 minutes

Ride a stationary bike with moderate resistance: 10 mph, 22 minutes

Work on a stair-climbing machine: moderate pace, 21 minutes

Wash and wax your car: 45-60 minutes

Rake leaves: 30 minutes

Go dancing: 29 minutes

Sources: Fitness Products Council, Surgeon General's Report and supporting documents

Pub Date: 11/22/98