Physical Activity Basics
The evidence is clear—physical activity fosters normal growth and development, can reduce the risk of various chronic diseases, and can make people feel better, function better, and sleep better. Some health benefits start immediately after activity, and even short bouts of physical activity are beneficial. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd editionexternal icon outlines the amounts and types of physical activity needed to maintain or improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic disease. It also highlights individual and community-level strategies that can make being physically active easier in the places where people live, learn, work, and play.
- Physical Activity and Health
- Overcoming Barriers to Physical Activity
- Perceived Exertion (Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale)
- Target Heart Rate and Estimated Maximum Heart Rate
- Physical Activity Recommendations for Different Age Groups
- Adding Physical Activity to Your Life
- Making Physical Activity a Part of a Child's Life
- Making Physical Activity a Part of an Older Adult's Life
- Aerobic, Muscle- and Bone-Strengthening: What Counts for School-Aged Children and Adolescents?
For People with Chronic Health Conditions & Disabilities
- Health Benefits Associated With Regular Physical Activity (Chapter 2, pg. 43)pdf iconexternal icon [PDF-15.2MB]
- Key Guidelines (Chapter 6, pg. 81)pdf iconexternal icon [PDF-15.2MB]
Other Benefits of Physical Activity
- Benefits for Brain Health (Chapter 2, pg. 39)pdf iconexternal icon [PDF-15.2MB]
- Immediate Benefits (Chapter 2, pg. 31)pdf iconexternal icon [PDF-15.2MB]
What’s New in the Guidelines?
- Guidance for preschool-aged children (ages 3 to 5 years).
- Evidence for even more health benefits of physical activity.
- Discussion of sedentary behavior.
- Tested strategies for physical activity promotion.
- Removal of bout length requirement–every little bit counts!
Additionally, the Move Your Way campaign resourcesexternal icon are designed to help further explain the Guidelines. These include interactive tools, fact sheets, videos, and graphics that are available for communities, health professionals, and others to promote the health benefits of meeting the new recommendations along with tips for how to help people become more active.