A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that only 28% of Americans are meeting the physical activity guidelines set by the Department of Health and Human Services. The recommendations call for adults to spend at least 150 minutes per week doing moderate-intensity aerobic exercises and dedicate two days a week to muscle strengthening activities.
The prevalence of meeting the guidelines varied greatly based on geographic region and area of residence. While 28.5% of people living in the Western region met the benchmarks, only 22% of those living in the South did. Furthermore, 16% of people living outside of major metropolitan areas met the guidelines compared to 28% of people living in cities.
The study was conducted in 2020, and may have been affected by the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The authors of the study noted that “a national paradigm shift is needed” to properly address the lack of exercise in the country and its effect on health. Regular physical activity has been found to positively affect seven of the ten most common chronic diseases in the U.S. and make children less susceptible to respiratory tract infections. Additionally, it can improve cognitive function among middle-aged people.
Although the study found that only 28% of Americans are meeting the exercise guidelines, it is important to note that regular physical activity has many proven benefits. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends adults take part in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercises per week, as well as two days a week of muscle-strengthening activities.