[PDF] Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report

What are the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans?

• The beneits of physical activity far outweigh the possibility of adverse outcomes. The following are the key Guidelines included in the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans: Key Guidelines for Children and Adolescents • Children and adolescents should do 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of physical activity daily. Aerobic: Most of the

How much physical activity do older adults need?

Older adults should aim to do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, or an equivalent amount (75 minutes or 1 hour and 15 minutes) of vigorous-intensity activity. Older adults can also do an equivalent amount of activity by combining moderate- and vigorous- intensity activity.

What should be included in a physical activity program?

• Provide advice and education consistent with the Guidelines; • Add episodes of activity that count toward meeting the Guidelines; and • May also include activities, such as stretching or warming up and cooling down, whose health beneits are not yet proven but that are often used in effective physical activity programs.

How much physical activity is considered a health beneicial activity?

• Most health beneits occur with at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking. Additional beneits occur with more physical activity. • Both aerobic (endurance) and muscle-strengthening (resistance) physical activity are beneicial.