Exercise is Medicine™ - Keys to Exercise - Exercise and Your Health

Exercise Is Medicine

Exercise Is Medicine Action Guide

The basic physical activity guideline is to achieve 150 minutes each week of moderate intensity physical activity. This is equivalent to 30 minutes of moderate intensity workouts five times each week.

Moderate intensity physical activity is generally defined as working hard enough to raise your heart rate and break a sweat while still being able to carry on a normal conversation. A brisk walk is considered moderate intensity exercise for most people.

Vigorous intensity physical activity is defined as activity that causes rapid breathing and a substantial increase in heart rate, such as jogging.

Physical Activity General Guidelines

• Children 6 through 17 years of age with no chronic conditions - 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity every day. Vigorous intensity activity at least 3 days each week. Muscle strengthening and bone strengthening activity at least 3 days each week.
• Adults 18 through 64 years of age with no chronic conditions - 150 minutes each week of moderate intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes each week of vigorous intensity aerobic exercise. Muscle strengthening exercises that involve all major muscle groups performed on two or more days each week.
• Adults 65+ years of age with no chronic conditions - Same as the 18 through 64 years of age group guidelines plus perform balance exercises.

Charles