Exercise: our current guide
What this page said
The institute's advice was that adults accumulate at least 30 minutes, in segments of at least ten minutes, of moderate brisk activity on most or all days of the week, and 45 to 60 minutes if weight loss or maintenance was the goal. Walking, housework, gardening, job activity, sports and structured exercise all counted.
For more aerobic conditioning or strength, it suggested aerobic exercise three to five times a week for 20 to 60 minutes at a comfortably challenging intensity, and strength training two to three times a week with one to two sets of eight to 12 repetitions, with tai chi, yoga and Pilates as mind/body options. These targets reflect 2008 recommendations and should be checked against current public health guidance.
Key points from the original
- 30 minutes of brisk activity most days, in segments of at least 10 minutes.
- 45 to 60 minutes if weight is a goal.
- Tai chi, yoga and Pilates named as mind/body options.