PHYSICAL Evidence supporting the benefits of
regular physical activity is well
FITNESS
established, yet nearly 80% of American
adults are not meeting guidelines for
aerobic and muscle-strengthening
activity. Gaining health benefits from
physical activity depends on a personal
effort to increase activity in ourselves,
loved ones, and our communities. The
newest addition of the Physical Activity
Guidelines for Americans can be a helpful
resource to increase physical activity. It
discusses the proven benefits of regular
physical activity and outlines the amounts
BEING PHYSICALLY ACTIVE IS and types recommended for all ages and
ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT populations.
THINGS PEOPLE OF ALL AGES
CAN DO TO MAINTAIN AND Importance of Physical Activity
IMPROVE THEIR HEALTH. Being physically active can help
ACCORDING TO THE 2018 you live a longer, healthier,
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY happier life. Adding regular,
moderate-to-vigorous physical
GUIDELINES FOR AMERICANS,
activity to your day can:
MOVING MORE AND SITTING
LESS HAS MANY POSITIVE
BENEFITS. EVEN BETTER, THE
BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING
IN ANY AMOUNT OF ACTIVITY
BEGIN IMMEDIATELY AFTER
AND ACCUMULATE OVER TIME.
improve your overall health, fitness,
and quality of life reduce the risk of
many adverse health outcomes and
chronic diseases, such as type 2
diabetes, obesity, heart disease,
hypertension, many types of cancer,
depression, anxiety, and dementia
help you reach and maintain a
healthy weight by burning calories*
help manage blood sugar and blood
pressure lower your risk for a heart
attack help you feel more confident
reduce stress, anxiety, and
depression improve your fitness level
increase muscle strength reduce body
fat help build and maintain bones and
joints improve flexibility and posture
help prevent arthritis or relieve the
pain from it reduce the risk of falling
among older adults *Research shows
that combining a reduced-calorie diet
with exercise is the most effective
way to lose