People of all ages, from kids to older adults, are encouraged to limit sedentary behavior and increase daily exercise, according to updated guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO).
These guidelines, which replace 2010 WHO recommendations, highlight the importance of combining aerobic plus strength training, and include guidance for pregnancy, postpartum women, and individuals with chronic conditions or disability.
Children and adolescents should get an average of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per day and all adults should aim for 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity, or 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week. In addition, regular weekly strength-training exercise should be included. The above guidelines also apply to older adults and those with selected chronic conditions and living with disability without contraindications, based on their physical abilities. Pregnant and postpartum women should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week.
The study authors note that this increase in daily exercise not only benefits overall health and reduces disease risk, but also translates into economic benefits due to workers taking less sick days off work.