The November 12th issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association reviewed the newest physical activity guidelines for Americans. Based on these guidelines, 80% of US adults and adolescents are insufficiently active. Let’s look at the specifics.
Children ages 3 through 5 years should be physically active throughout the day. Children and adolescents ages 6 through 17 years should do at least 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. Adults should do at least 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity, on at least 4 days. They should also do muscle-strengthening activities, such as lifting weights, on 2 or more days per week. Examples of moderate activity include walking briskly at 2.5 to 4.0 miles per hour, playing volleyball or raking the yard. Jogging, running, and participating in a strenuous fitness class are examples of vigorous activity
Are you fit? A recent Today Show featuring Dr. Oz reviewed the four-flight stair challenge. This is a simple test to see if you are currently physically fit. Adults should be able to climb four flights of stairs, without stopping, in less than a minute. If you pass the four-flight test then your level of physical activity is likely sufficient. Recent evidence shows that physically fit adults are less likely to have heart disease, have a stroke or develop dementia.