Health Tip: Work Out at the Right Intensity

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(HealthDay News) -- Your workouts should challenge you physically, but not to the point of overexertion.

So how do you figure out an exercise intensity that's right for you? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these guidelines:

• You should be able to do two sets of 10 repetitions in good form.
• You should need to rest after doing a 10-repetition set before you do your next set. If you can do 20 repetitions without a break, you should use heavier weights.
• If you can do more than 10 repetitions without a break in your first set, increase the weight you lift for the second set only.

-- Diana Kohnle

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