Q: How much exercise will I need to do on Jenny Craig?

A: Jenny Craig's exercise component was developed in consultation with the world-renowned Cooper Institute and encourages clients to gradually increase activity through a combination of natural, planned and playful physical activities*. Your Jenny Craig Consultant will work with you to develop a personalized, staged approach that starts where you are right now and builds from there.

In research conducted by the National Weight Control Registry of 4500 individuals who have lost at least 30 pounds and kept it off for one year, it was found that such individuals, on average, are physically active for 60 minutes a day. The good news is, the "exercise" is a combination of walking, resistance, and "natural" activity. The bottom line: it's not a strenuous exercise regimen, but an active lifestyle that makes the difference between maintainers and weight re-gainers. At Jenny Craig, you'll learn strategies for building an active lifestyle to enhance your own success.

*JAMA. 1999; 281 (4) : 327 - 334

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Q: What types of exercise will I do on Jenny Craig?

A: On Jenny Craig, you'll gradually increase your activity through a combination of natural, planned and playful physical activities, learning how to incorporate more activity into your everyday routine.

• Natural activities include everyday tasks such as washing dishes or light cleaning – even shopping! You'll learn to identify opportunities for activity that you might not be aware of, like walking around during your child's baseball game or vacuuming during the TV commercials.
• Planned activities make sure your exercise regimen is well-rounded, incorporating cardio, resistance, and stretching. Examples include weightlifting, walking, yoga, kickboxing or aerobic dance.
• Playful activities give permission for you to take the time to be active without taking quality time away from family and friends. Instead of going to a movie with friends, try dancing, bicycling or joining your kids for tag or basketball.

_{Adapted from: Blair, Dunn, Marcus, Carpenter and Jaret. Active Living Every Day: 20 Steps to Lifelong Vitality, Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics, 2001.}

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Q: What if I am already very active?

A: If you're already doing a great job being regularly active, your Jenny Craig Consultant will work with you to develop a personalized, staged approach that might include adding some new activities. The best activity plan for weight loss includes cardio, resistance and stretching. If you've focused primarily on moderate-intensity activities like walking or biking, why not boost your metabolism with some resistance training? If you're already doing both, you might focus on the mind/body benefits of stretching activities like yoga. Our YourStyle® Profile will assess what stage you are in when you begin the Program. As you progress, we will re-check your stage and continue to tailor your activities.

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Q: Do I have to exercise on Jenny Craig?

A: Research has shown that an active lifestyle is a critical factor in successful weight loss. While it's true that physical activity supports consistent weight loss, its role is even more critical in long-term weight loss. In research conducted by the National Weight Control Registry of 4500 individuals who have lost at least 30 pounds and kept it off for one year, it was found that such individuals, on average, are physically active for 60 minutes a day. During your consultations, your Jenny Craig Consultant will work with you to identify barriers to physical activity – and help you develop plans to overcome those barriers and stay motivated to follow through. Keep in mind it's not a strenuous exercise regimen, but an active lifestyle that makes the difference between maintainers and weight re-gainers!

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