Being physically active has been shown to have many benefits. For
example:
- You are less likely to develop coronary heart disease. This
is even if you smoke, drink alcohol, or don’t have a healthy diet.
- Overweight or obese people greatly reduce their risk for
disease when they get regular physical activity.
- Older adults who are active can reduce their risk for falls.
They can improve their ability to do daily activities.
You can help prevent health problems caused by not being
physically active. The CDC suggests that you:
- Increase your amount of weight-bearing activities. Examples
of this are running and walking.
- Increase your amount of aerobic activity. This includes
running, biking, or swimming.
- Do strength training exercises twice a week.
- Do aerobic activity all during the week. This means things
that increase your heart rate.
The CDC suggests that adults with chronic conditions or
disabilities do 1 of the below if they are able:
- Spend 2 1/2 to 5 hours of time each week on moderate aerobic
activity. This is about 21 to 43 minutes a day.
- Spend 1 1/4 to 2 ½ hours of time each week on vigorous
aerobic activity. This is about 11 to 43 minutes a day.
- Spend 1 1/4 to 2 ½ hours of time each week on a combination
of activity. This means both moderate and vigorous aerobic activity. This is about
11 to 43 minutes a day.
If you are not active or have chronic health problems, ask your
healthcare provider how to safely increase the amount of your daily activity. Even
a
small daily increase can have health benefits.