A New View of Physical Activity

This report brings together, for the first time, what has been learned about physical activity and health from decades of research. Among its major findings:

  • People who are usually inactive can improve their health and well-being by becoming even moderately active on a regular basis.
  • Physical activity need not be strenuous to achieve health benefits.
  • Greater health benefits can be achieved by increasing the amount (duration, frequency, or intensity) of physical activity.

THE BENEFITS OF REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:

Regular physical activity that is performed on most days of the week reduces the risk of developing or dying from some of the leading causes of illness and death in the United States. Regular physical activity improves health in the following ways:

  • Reduces the risk of dying prematurely.
  • Reduces the risk of dying from heart disease.
  • Reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
  • Reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure.
  • Helps reduce blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure.
  • Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer.
  • Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.
  • Helps control weight.
  • Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
  • Helps older adults become stronger and better able to move about without falling.
  • Promotes psychological well-being.

A MAJOR PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN:

Given the numerous health benefits of physical activity, the hazards of being inactive are clear. Physical inactivity is a serious, nationwide problem. Its scope poses a public health challenge for reducing the national burden of unnecessary illness and premature death.

WHAT IS A MODERATE AMOUNT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY?

As the examples listed in the box show, a moderate amount of physical activity* can be achieved in a variety of ways. People can select activities that they enjoy and that fit into their daily lives. Because amount of activity is a function of duration, intensity, and frequency, the same amount of activity can be obtained in longer sessions of moderately intense activities (such as brisk walking) as in shorter sessions of more strenuous activities (such as running): +

EXAMPLES OF MODERATE AMOUNTS OF ACTIVITY:

Less Vigorous, More Time

  • Washing and waxing a car for 45-60 minutes
  • Washing windows or floors for 45-60 minutes
  • Playing volleyball for 45 minutes
  • Playing touch football for 30-45 minutes
  • Gardening for 30-45 minutes
  • Wheeling self in wheelchair for 30-40 minutes
  • Walking 1 3/4 miles in 35 minutes (20 min/mile)
  • Basketball (shooting baskets) for 30 minutes
  • Bicycling 5 miles in 30 minutes
  • Dancing fast (social) for 30 minutes
  • Pushing a stroller 1 1/2 miles in 30 minutes
  • Raking leaves for 30 minutes
  • Walking 2 miles in 30 minutes (15 min/mile)
  • Water aerobics for 30 minutes
  • Swimming laps for 20 minutes
  • Wheelchair basketball for 20 minutes
  • Basketball (playing a game) for 15-20 minutes
  • Bicycling 4 miles in 15 minutes
  • Jumping rope for 15 minutes
  • Running 1 1/2 miles in 15 minutes (10 min/mile)
  • Shoveling snow for 15 minutes
  • Stairwalking for 15 minutes

  More Vigorous, Less Time

* A moderate amount of physical activity is roughly equivalent to physical activity that uses approximately 150 Calories (kcal) of energy per day, or 1,000 Calories per week.

+ Some activities can be performed at various intensities; the suggested durations correspond to expected intensity of effort.

PRECAUTIONS FOR A HEALTHY START:

To avoid soreness and injury, individuals contemplating an increase in physical activity should start out slowly and gradually build up to the desired amount to give the body time to adjust. People with chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, or obesity, or who are at high risk for these problems should first consult a physician before beginning a new program of physical activity. Also, men over age 40 and women over age 50 who plan to begin a new vigorous physical activity program should consult a physician first to be sure they do not have heart disease or other health problems.

source: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/ataglan.htm