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activity need not be strenuous to achieve health benefits.
and women of all ages benefit from a moderate amount of daily
physical activity. The same moderate amount of activity can be
obtained in longer sessions of moderately intense activities (such
as 30 minutes of brisk walking) as in shorter sessions of more
strenuous activities (such as 15-20 minutes of jogging).
health benefits can be gained through greater amounts of physical
activity. Adults who maintain a regular routine of physical activity
that is of longer duration or of greater intensity are likely to
derive greater benefit. However, because risk of injury also
increases with greater amounts of activity, care should be taken to
avoid excessive amounts.
sedentary people who begin physical activity programs should start
with short sessions (5-10 minutes) of physical activity and
gradually build up to the desired level of activity.
with chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, or
obesity, or who are at high risk for these conditions should first
consult a physician before beginning a new program of physical
activity. Men over age 40 and women over age 50 who plan to begin a
new program of vigorous activity should consult a physician
to be sure they do not have heart disease or other health problems.
than 60 percent of U.S. adults do not engage in the recommended
amount of activity.
25 percent of U.S. adults are not active at all.
inactivity is more common among:
- Women than men.
- African American and Hispanic adults than whites.
- Older than younger adults.
- Less affluent than more affluent people.
support from family and friends has been consistently and positively
related to regular physical activity.
OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
the risk of dying from coronary heart disease and of developing high
blood pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes.
help reduce blood pressure in some people with hypertension.
maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
symptoms of anxiety and depression and fosters improvements in mood
and feelings of well-being.
control weight, develop lean muscle, and reduce body fat.
COMMUNITIES CAN DO
environmental inducements to physical activity, such as safe,
accessible, and attractive trails for walking and bicycling, and
sidewalks with curb cuts.
schools for community recreation, form neighborhood watch groups to
increase safety, and encourage malls and other indoor or protected
locations to provide safe places for walking in any weather.
community-based programs to meet the needs of specific populations,
such as racial and ethnic minority groups, women, older adults,
persons with disabilities, and low-income groups.
health care providers to talk routinely to their patients about
incorporating physical activity into their lives.
employers to provide supportive worksite environments and policies
that offer opportunities for employees to incorporate moderate
physical activity into their daily lives.
MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, MS K-46
4770 Buford Highway, NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30341-3724
1-888-CDC-4NRG or 1-888-232-4674 (Toll Free)
President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
200 Independence Avenue S.W.
Room 738H (Humphrey Building)
Washington, DC 20201-0004