Facts and Figures

National Facts and Statistics

Physical Activity

• A combination of strength or resistance training with aerobic (endurance) physical activity can help individuals live longer, healthier lives (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion [ODPHP], 2014)
• Adults need at least 2.5 hours or 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2014)
•  By meeting these guidelines, individuals can live longer and happier, strengthen their bones, control their weight, and decrease their chances of developing heart disease, some cancers, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and depression (CDC, 2014)
• Only 48% of Americans adults are meeting those guidelines (CDC, 2014)
•  Less than 5% of adults are physically active for at least 30 minutes each day (President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition [PCFSN], 2014)
• Only one-third of American children are physically active every day (PCFSN, 2014)
• Individuals in the south are less likely to meet the recommended physical activity level when compared to those living in the Northeast, Midwest, and West (CDC, 2014)

                                 

• Families who are living above poverty level and those with more education are more likely to meet the physical activity guidelines (CDC, 2014)
• The “No Pain No Gain” approach is not advised; instead, individuals should “Start Slow and Go Slow” to decrease the risk of injury (ODPHP, 2014)
• Physical activity is recommended for nearly everyone, but key guidelines should be followed for older adults, women who are pregnant or in the postpartum period, adults or children with disabilities, and people with chronic medical conditions (ODPHP, 2014)

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Facts about physical activity. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/data/facts.html

Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2014). 2008 physical activity guidelines for Americans summary. Retrieved from http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/guidelines/summary.aspx

President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. (2014). Facts and statistics. 
            Retrieved from  http://www.fitness.gov/resource-center/facts-and-statistics/