Active Living

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Active living is a lifestyle that includes physical activity on a regular basis. When people are active every day, they find it easier to manage their weight and prevent chronic diseases, and have higher self-esteem.

Why is physical activity important?

Being physically active can help you prevent many unhealthy conditions and illnesses, including: cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, overweight & obesity. Being active can make you look and feel better now and keep you healthy for the future. Physical activity can help you:
  • Control weight
  • Reduce anxiety and stress
  • Increase self-esteem
  • Strengthen bones, muscles and joints
  • Potentially lower high blood pressure and cholesterol

Physical Activity Recommendations for Different Age Groups1

Preschool-Aged Children (3-5 years)
children
  • Physical Activity every day throughut the day
  • Active play through a variety of enjoyable physical activities
Children and Adolescents (6-17 years)
kids
  • 60 mins (1 hour) or more of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity daily
  • A variety of enjoyable physical activities as part of the 60 minutes, on at least 3 days a week, children and adolescents need:
    • Vigorous activity such as running or soccer
    • Activity that strengthens muscles such as climbing or push ups
    • Activity that strengthens bones such as gymnastics or jumping rope
Adults (18-64 years)*
adults
  • At least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity activity such as brisk walking
  • At least 2 days a week of activities that strengthen muscles
Older Adults (65 years and older)*
seniors
  • At least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity activity such as brisk walking
  • At least 2 days a week of activities that strengthen muscles
  • Activities to improve balance such as standing on one foot

 *Aim for the recommended activity level but be as active as one is able

How do I know the intensity of my activity?

Moderate-Intensity
Vigorous-Intensity
  • Walking briskly 
  • Water aerobics
  • Bicycling slower than 1-10 mph
  • Tennis (doubles)
  • Ballroom dancing
  • Gardening
  • Race walking, jogging or running
  • Swimming laps
  • Tennis (singles)
  • Salsa, Zumba and hip-hop dancing 
  • Biking 10 mph or faster
  • Jumping rope
  • Heavy gardening (digging and hoeing)
  • Hiking uphill

More Resources
Reference

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, July 30). Physical Activity Recommendations for Different Age Groups. https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/age-chart.html 

 

 

Last modified on 08/28/2024