| Physical Activity
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| What is physical activity? Physical activity is movement that results from contracting the muscles in your body. It includes walks in your neighborhood, gardening, riding bicycles with your children, jogging, climbing the stairs, washing the car, anything that involves movement. You can be physically active around the house. Try walking or jogging in place, or get your heart rate up by vacuuming the carpet or cleaning windows. |
How much physical activity is enough? To maintain your body weight, you'll need at least 60 minutes of physical activity at a moderate level each day. This can be done at one time or in short sessions throughout your day. Make it a part of your daily plan. To reduce your body weight, 90 minutes or more of physical activity at a moderate level of intensity is needed each day. Again, this can be done at one time or in shorter sessions, such as 10-20 minute sessions throughout the day. Remember to start slowly and work your way to the recommended levels. If you have questions or concerns about your health condition and whether or not it's safe for you to be physically active, ask your doctor or healthcare provider. Always be safe and listen to your body. |
What is moderate physical activity? Moderate-intensity physical activity refers to a level of effort in which a person should experience some increased breathing or heart rate. These levels are equal to the effort an individual might burn while walking briskly, mowing the lawn, dancing, swimming for recreation, or bicycling on a flat surface. A moderate amount of physical activity will use approximately 150 calories of energy per day, or 1,000 calories per week. Visit the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. |
Number of minutes of activity to burn 150 calories (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) |
Last Modified on 02/15/2012