The second edition provides evidence-based guidance for increasing physical activity in people as young as age 3 years. A chapter on physical activity in children and adolescents recommends that preschool-aged children (ages 3 to 5) should be physically active throughout the day to enhance growth and development, and that caregivers should encourage active play that includes a variety of physical activities.
For adults, the guidelines' first recommendation encourages people to move more and sit less throughout the day, because any type of moderate or vigorous activity will produce some health benefits. The guidelines also recommend between 150 and 300 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous aerobic physical activity each week. Adults who engage in physical activities beyond those ranges are likely to gain additional benefits, such as reduced cancer risk and reduced risk of weight gain. In addition, adults are encouraged to perform muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days per week.