Physical activity programs

Abstract

There are substantial data demonstrating that regular physical activity has significant health benefits. However, until relatively recently, there has been no federally supported physical activity recommendations as there have been for decades for diet. In 2008, the first Federal Physical Activity Guidelines were released which recommend that adults should participate in at least 150 min (2 h and 30 min) a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 min (1 h and 15 min) a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. In addition to aerobic activity, adults should also participate in muscle-strengthening activities (resistance training) that involve all major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week. While there remain many areas that need more research, the available literature strongly supports the current guidelines, and these guidelines should serve as foundation for a clinical exercise prescription.