According to the U.S. Surgeon General, for substantial health benefits, the recommended amount of physical activity, for adults, includes any of the following:
- At least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) a week of moderate-intensity
- At least 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) a week of vigorous-intensity
- An equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous intensity aerobic activity
Aerobic activity should be performed in episodes of at least 10 minutes, and preferably, it should be spread throughout the week. Additional health benefits are associated with muscle-strengthening activities that are moderate or high intensity and involve all major muscle groups. Adults should include muscle-strengthening activities 2 or more days a week.
Increasing aerobic physical activity to 300 minutes (5 hours) a week of moderate intensity, increasing physical activity to 150 minutes a week of vigorous intensity or an equivalent combination of both moderate and vigorous activity will provide more extensive health benefits.
Find out more ways to improve or increase physical activity at the CDC's Physical Activity for Everyone.