The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2^nd edition lets us know physical activity improves overall health and reduces the risk of chronic disease. Primary recommendations include:

• Adults should move more and sit less throughout the day.
• For substantial health benefits, adults should do at least
  2 1/2  hours to 5 hours a week of moderate-intensity or
  1 1/4 hours to 2 1/2 hours a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity. (Additional health benefits are gained by doing more physical activity beyond this).
• Do muscle-strengthening activities of moderate or greater intensity involving all major muscle groups 2 or more days a week.

Inactive people should “start low and go slow” and gradually increase physical activity over time to meet key guidelines on health goals. There are additional key guidelines for older adults, children, adolescents, pregnant women, and other groups.

Being physically active is one of the most important actions to improve health.  YOU deserve good health.

This article was originally shared via the Wisconsin Union’s Health and Wellness Newsletter and was re-printed here with permission.