It has been recorded that 80% of Americans are not meeting the physical recommendations made by the federal government, according to a new report from the CDC published in the journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
The government's Physical Activity Guidelines suggests 2.5 hours of walking or 1.25 hours of jogging per week. In addition, strength activities like push-ups are sit-ups are recommended on two or more days per week.
The CDC, culling info from 450,000 respondents to their Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, found that only 21% of adults 18 and older met both the aerobic and strength conditioning recommendations. There were 52% that met the aerobic guideline only, while 29% say they are meeting the strength-conditioning guideline.
"This is a great start, and we can use this information to encourage other adults to increase their aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity," says Carmen Harris, an epidemiologist in CDC's physical activity and health branch. "Improving access to safe and convenient places, such as parks, walking trails and sidewalks, can increase opportunities for physical activity in communities."
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