New Physical Activity Guidelines Set Forth by US Government
Just months after the American College of Sports Medicine issued a joint statement along with the American Heart Association outlining the physical activity objectives for American adults the US Department of Health and Human Services has outlined its own.
Designed to complement the existing dietary guidelines, the new paper summarizes the benefits of physical exercise and issues specific recommendations for children, adults, and older adults.
In general, children are advised to accumulate 60 minutes of daily exercise with vigorous aerobic exercise and strength training at least 3 days per week each.
The guidelines for adults parallel the ACSM/AHA position of 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly. Additionally, the paper encourages up to 5 hours of moderate intensity activity or 150 hours vigorous exercise for optimal health benefits. There is emphasis on twice-weekly strength training as well.
Older adults are encouraged to adhere to the minimum guidelines set for adults, and to modify as necessary if current health status prevents intense exercise. Emphasis is placed on balance and fall prevention training in this population.
Moreover, the paper makes specific recommendations for women who are pregnant and adults with disabilities and/or chronic diseases.
For more information on the governments PA guidelines,
The website offers resources, education and tools
to help Americans become more physically active.
(US Department of Health & Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. October 10, 2008)
