The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans describe the research supporting the health benefits of physical activity and recommended the following:
- Regular physical activity reduces the risk of many adverse health outcomes.
- Some physical activity is better than none.
- For most health outcomes, additional benefits occur as the amount of physical activity increases through higher intensity, greater frequency, and/or longer duration.
- Most health benefits occur with at least 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) a week of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking. More benefits occur with more physical activity.
- Episodes of activity that are at least 10 minutes long count toward meeting the Guidelines.
- Both aerobic (endurance) and muscle-strengthening (resistance) physical activity are beneficial.
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