What Do Experts Recommend for Fitness?

person biking through a neighborhood

feet walkingAccording to the Centers for Disease Control, only 60% of Americans get the recommended amount of physical fitness each day!

The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans are designed so people can easily fit physical activity into their daily plan and incorporate activities they enjoy.

These guidelines recommend that you focus on sitting less and choosing physical activities you enjoy. For most adults, they specifically recommend:

  • Doing at least two and a half hours of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity over the week, which is about half an hour each day. (Examples are walking briskly, water aerobics, ballroom dancing, and general gardening).
  • Extending this time as much as it feels right for you. The more you go beyond the minimum recommendation, the higher the benefits; so an hour a day would provide more extensive health benefits.

The guidelines also have specific recommendations on pages 8-9 for children and adolescents, older adults, people experiencing pregnancy and the postpartum phase, and adults with chronic health conditions or disabilities.