Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans

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The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), provides physical activity recommendations for people aged 6 and older and for all physical conditions. The science-based Guidelines recommend a total amount of physical activity per week to achieve a range of health benefits. These Guidelines can be tailored to meet individual interests, lifestyles, and goals.

Recommendations in the Guidelines can be incorporated within daily routines and allow activities—like walking, biking, or dancing—to be integrated. The main message is that regular physical activity over months and years can produce long-term health benefits and reduce the risk of many diseases.

Contents

History

The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans were released October 7, 2008 and are based on the first comprehensive review of scientific research about physical activity and health in more than a decade.

Research Findings

Major research findings include:

  • Regular physical activity reduces the risk of many adverse health outcomes.
  • Some physical activity is better than none.
  • Most benefits occur with at least 2 hours and 30 minutes (minutes) a week of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking.
  • Additional benefits occur with more physical activity (higher intensity, greater frequency, and/or longer duration).
  • Both aerobic (endurance) and muscle-strengthening (resistance) physical activities are beneficial.
  • Health benefits occur for children and adolescents, young and middle-aged adults, older adults, and those in every studied racial and ethnic group.
  • The health benefits of physical activity occur for people who have disabilities.
  • The benefits of physical activity far outweigh the possibility of adverse outcomes.

Health professionals and policymakers are the primary audiences for the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. However, the information is useful for anyone interested in improving the health of his/her community members and other individuals.

References

This article incorporates text from the websites of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, a United States government agency, with content in the public domain.

External links

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_for_Americans"