How much is enough?

Despite the proven benefits of physical activity, more than 50% of American adults do not get enough physical activity to provide health benefits.  Twenty-five percent of adults are not active at all in their leisure time.  Activity decreases with age and is less common among women than men and among those with lower income and less education.

Not getting enough physical activity is not limited to adults.  More than a third of young people in grades 9–12 do not regularly take part in vigorous-intensity physical activity.  Daily participation in high school physical education classes dropped from 42% in 1991 to 32% in 2001[ii].

Adults should make an effort to meet either of the following physical activity recommendations:

• Adults should participate in moderate-intensity physical activities for at least 30 minutes on five or more days of the week.  With moderate-intensity physical activity, there should be some increase in your breathing or heart rate.

         OR

• Adults should participate in vigorous-intensity physical activity three or more days per week for 20 or more minutes per occasion.  With vigorous-intensity physical activity, there should be a large increase in your breathing or heart rate.  Conversation with someone should be difficult[iii].

It is recommended that children and adolescents participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity most days of the week, preferably daily[iv].

If you are currently inactive, talk with your doctor before beginning any physical activity.