Every wonder if there is a “right” amount of exercise you should do per week? You may have a personal goal, but the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has set weekly exercise guidelines. Being active is one of the most important actions you can take to improve your health. Exercise is beneficial for brain and body health. It can make you feel better, function better, sleep better, and reduce the risk of and prevent disease. Everyone benefits from exercise both immediately and in the long term. The good news is every minute of exercise counts!
Here are the weekly DHHS recommendations:
150-300 minutes (2.5 to 5 hours) of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week. Think of a brisk walk or a similar intense activity.
-OR-
75-150 minutes (1 hour 15 min to 2.5 hours) of high or vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. Think of jogging or activities of similar intensity.
-OR-
An equivalent combination of moderate to vigorous-intensity exercise.
Aerobic exercise should be spread throughout the week. Additional health benefits are gained with more than 300 minutes of moderate or greater intensity. Remember, anything that gets your heart beating faster counts.
-AND-
Muscle-strengthening activities of moderate or greater intensity of all major muscle groups are recommended two times per week.
If you can’t do this right now, do what you can. Everything counts. Work up from where you are. Make attainable fitness goals, then work up to a goal that will fit these guidelines.
If you are already there, use these guidelines to refine and maximize your fitness goals.
Ready! Set! Go!
