Are there guidelines regarding the amount of physical activity required to accrue health benefits?
A. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2008 published a document entitled, “Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans,” suggesting substantial health benefits can be gained by following its recommendations for exercise. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: • Adults (aged 18-64) should engage in 2 hours and 30 minutes or 150 total minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity. Moderate-intensity exercise is physical activity performed at 50 to 70 percent of one’s maximum heart rate. During such a level of intensity, the exercise is carried on at a comfortable pace, such that an exerciser can carry on a conversation. • An option for adults (aged 18-64) is to engage in 1 hour and 15 minutes or 75 total minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity. Vigorous-intensity exercise is physical activity performed at 75 to 90 percent of one’s maximum heart rate. When exercising at this level of intensity, a person would be unab
