2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults should be activity. Some physical activity is better than none, and adults who participate in any amount of physical activity gain some health benefits. For substantial health benefits, the Guidelines recommend adults perform at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. Overall, approximately 1/3 of American men and nearly 40% of American women report NO leisure time physical activity.
In 2011, only about 45% of Americans overall met the aerobic guidelines. However, prevalence ranges from -65% in 18-24 year old men to a little more than 20% in 75+ year old women. Women were less likely than men to meet the aerobic guidelines. The percentage of adults who met the guidelines decreases with age. White, non-Hispanic adults were more likely to meet the guidelines for aerobic activity (50.2%, based on leisure-time activity) than other race/ethnic groups (35.0% for Hispanic adults; 39.2% for non Hispanic African American adults).
The above data was shared at the Learn-To-Swim Innovator Meeting in Colorado Springs Colorado on April 25, 2012. This meeting was sponsored by the National Swimming Pool Foundation.
