Physical Activity and Public Health: Updated Recommendation for Adults From the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association

Haskell WL, Lee I, Pate RR, Powell KE, Blair SN, Franklin BA, Macera CA, Heath GW, Thompson PD, Bauman A

In 1995 the Centers for Diseased Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine issued recommendations on the types and amounts of physical activity to promote and maintain health. This current paper updates and clarifies these recommendations. The recommendations apply to healthy adults between 18 and 65 years of age and include; aerobic activity of moderate intensity (3 – 6 METS) for a minimum of 30 minutes on five days each week or vigorous intensity (> 6 METS) for a minimum of 20 minutes on three days each week. Muscle strength training should be included for a minimum of 2 days a week. All these should be in addition to normal activities of daily living.

Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 2007; 39: 1423 – 1434

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