Any amount of physical activity is better than none. It is important that adults engage in both general physical activity that offsets the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle and purposeful exercise for targeted health outcomes as part of their weekly physical activity. How much and what kind of exercise do we need?
Adults 18-64 years old need to perform 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or a combination of both weekly and 2 or more days of strength training. As people age, it is also important to include balancing activities such as tai chi to help prevent falls and flexibility activities such as stretching or yoga.
Physical activity has health benefits, including a reduction in blood pressure and weight, lower risk of osteoporosis and dementia, prevention of and improved survival from several cancers, and improvement in insulin resistance (a key factor in metabolic syndrome, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, and several other cardiometabolic disorders).
World Health Organization. Who.org. November 26, 2020. Accessed September 12, 2022. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity
Michael RE. Resistance Training for Health and Fitness. American College of Sports Medicine. Prescriptiontogetactive.com/. 2013. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.prescriptiontogetactive.com/static/pdfs/resistance-training-ACSM.pdf
