Sunday, February 12, 2012

Who Has Time for This?

Do you meet the federal guidelines for recommended physical activity? Here they are:
Adults should do at least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous intensity aerobic activity or an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous intensity aerobic activity. Aerobic activity should be performed in episodes of at least 10 minutes, and preferably, it should be spread throughout the week. For additional health benefits, adults should increase their aerobic physical activity to 300 minutes a week of moderate intensity or 150 minutes a week of vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity. Additional health benefits are gained by engaging in physical activity beyond this amount. Adults should also do muscle-strengthening activities that are moderate or high intensity and involve all major muscle groups on two or more days a week. 
Only 22 percent of men and 16 percent of women meet the guidelines. 

Question: Since life expectancy is at an all-time high--despite the fact that most Americans are overweight and not getting enough exercise--what is the point of setting the bar so high?

1 comment:

Kenneth said...

Perhaps one answer to your question would be "quality of life" Life expectancy has risen because of the dramatic increase in the use of perscription drugs. There is a dramatic difference in being alive and truely living well. Just my point of view.