Did you know that there are guidelines for how much physical activity you should do? According to the CDC, for the year of 2016, 51.7% of adults met the Physical Activity Guidelines for aerobic physical activity. Of those half, only 21.7% met the guidelines for muscle strengthening.

These are the 2015 Guidelines for Physical Activity*:

For Adults:
~At least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) a week of moderate intensity exercise OR
~75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) a week of vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity
~Sessions should last at least 10 minutes
~ For additional and more extensive health benefits, increase aerobic physical activity to 300 minutes (5 hours) a week of moderate intensity OR
~ 150 minutes a week of vigorous intensity

~ Moderate or High Intensity Muscle Strengthening involving all muscles at least 2 times a week

Older Adults:
~ Follow guidelines for adults unless they have chronic conditions or cannot do 150 minutes per week total. In those cases, they should be as physically active as their conditions and abilities allow
~ Balance Exercises are a must to reduce the risk of falling

Children and Adolescents:
~ Daily One Hour sessions of Aerobic Activity (moderate to vigorous)
~ Muscle Strengthening at least 3 days a week
~ Bone Strengthening at least 3 days a week

Think about your current weekly workout plan. Are you reaching the minimum standards? Do you want to just make the minimum, or would you like to strive for more health benefits by adding the additional time?

Study after study shows how good exercise is for us. Physical activity keeps the brain stronger, the body stronger and helps to decrease the risk of chronic diseases. Are you doing enough? I want you to be as healthy as you can!

*Updated guidelines are scheduled to be released in late 2018