Guidelines & Recommendations

Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition

Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition
Document from US Department of Health and Human Services describes the amounts and types of physical activity needed to maintain or improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report: Strategies to Increase Physical Activity Among Youth [PDF-2.20MB]
Evidence-based strategies for increasing physical activity in young people ages 3 to 17. The US Health and Human Services report examines opportunities for youth to be more active in schools, preschools and childcare centers, communities, homes, and healthcare settings. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, children and adolescents 6 years and older can achieve important health benefits by getting 1 hour (60 minutes) or more of daily physical activity. The Midcourse Report emphasizes the importance of children getting 60 minutes of activity throughout their entire day.

The Community Guide Findings for Physical Activity
Findings of the Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF).  See a summary of evidence and supporting materials for interventions to increase physical activity.

Youth Compendium of Physical Activities
List of 196 common activities in which youth participate and the estimated energy cost associated with each activity. It can be used by a wide variety of people—including researchers, health care professionals, teachers and coaches, and fitness professionals—and in a variety of ways—including research, public health policy making, education, and interventions to encourage physical activity in youth.

The National Physical Activity Plan [PDF-9.39MB]
Comprehensive set of policies, programs and initiatives to increase physical activity in all segments of the population.

Trends in Meeting the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines, 2008—2018 [PDF-247KB]
Percentage of adults and adolescents meeting the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

Connect with Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity