HHS releases new activity guidelines for Americans: 6 takeaways

HHS released the second edition of its "Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans" — an update to the first set of guidelines in 2008 detailing healthy physical activity levels for Americans of all ages.

Here are six things to know:

1. The second edition provides science-based guidance to help Americans 3 years and older improve their health through regular physical activity.

2. Preschool children aged 3 through 5 years old should be physically active throughout the day to enhance growth and development. Adults should encourage active play that includes a variety of activity types.

3. Children and adolescents should strive to do 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. The majority of those 60 minutes should include aerobic activity at least three days per week. Muscle-strengthening exercises and bone-strengthening exercises should each be incorporated at least three days per week.

4. Adults should aim to do at least 150 minutes to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, or 75 minutes to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week. Adults should also strive to include muscle-strengthening activities that include all major muscle groups on two or more days per week.

5. Older adults should incorporate multicomponent physical activity into their routines and should be as physically active as their abilities and conditions allow.

6. The second-edition guide also includes exercise recommendations for women during their pregnancy and postpartum periods, adults with chronic health conditions, and adults with disabilities.

To learn more, click here.

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