Key points
- Federal guidelines recommend how much physical activity people need throughout their life span.
- States and local communities can use many evidence-based strategies to increase physical activity.
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) publishes the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. The second edition was released in 2018. The report describes the amounts and types of physical activity needed to maintain or improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
See an overview of physical activity guidelines for:
Recommended strategies
Public Health Strategies for Physical Activity
Evidence-based strategies to increase access to physical activity for everyone across sectors and settings.
Ideas for how people can be involved in Active People, Healthy NationSM based on their profession or interest.
Community Guide Findings for Physical Activity
Findings of the Community Preventive Services Task Force. Includes a summary of evidence and supporting materials for interventions to increase physical activity.
National Physical Activity Plan
Set of policies, programs, and initiatives to increase physical activity in all segments of the population.
Implementation Strategies for Older Adults
Highlights strategies to use wherever older adults spend their time — including in community, health care, and home settings. These strategies include policy, systems, and environmental approaches; behavior change; and physical activity programs.
Strategies to Increase Physical Activity Among Youth
Examines opportunities for young people 3 to 17 to be more active in schools, preschools and childcare centers, communities, homes, and healthcare settings. Children 3 to 5 need to be active every day. Children and adolescents 6 to 17 need 60 minutes or more of daily physical activity.