Meeting your Recommended Physical Activity Guidelines

Physical activity is an integral part of our daily lives.  It helps in the prevention of chronic disease, can assist in strengthening our bones and heart, and even has mental health benefits. Unfortunately, most people do not meet the recommended physical activity guidelines.  According to the health.gov web site, for adults, these guidelines include:

1. 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) each week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity (such as brisk walking or tennis) or
2. 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) each week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity (such as jogging or swimming laps or
3. An equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity

The website also notes:

4. Do muscle-strengthening activities (such as lifting weights or using resistance bands) that are moderate or high intensity and involve all major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week.

The good news is that meeting these guidelines can be done in a variety of ways and can be done in as small as 10 minute increments, which can make meeting these guidelines more attainable with busy, hectic schedules. Speak with your doctor or registered dietitian about how to best incorporate physical activity into your everyday lifestyle.

Source: Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans