Physical Activity Recommendations

What You Can Do

  • Regular physical activity is one of the most important things people can do to improve their health.
  • The recommended amount of physical activity per week varies by age and other factors.
  • Remember that some activity is better than none.

Keep reading to learn more about physical activity for different age groups.

Preschool aged children (3-5 years):

  • Physical activity every day throughout the day.
  • Active play through a variety of enjoyable physical activities.

Preschool aged children (3-5 years):

  • Physical activity every day throughout the day.
  • Active play through a variety of enjoyable physical activities.

Children and adolescents (6-17 years):

  • 60 mins (1 hour) or more of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily
  • A variety of enjoyable physical activities.
  • As part of the 60 minutes, on at least 3 days a week, children and adolescents need:
    • Vigorous activity such as running or soccer.
    • Activity that strengthens muscles, such as climbing or push-ups.
    • Activity that strengthens bones, such as gymnastics or jumping rope.

Children and adolescents (6-17 years):

  • 60 mins (1 hour) or more of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily
  • A variety of enjoyable physical activities.
  • As part of the 60 minutes, on at least 3 days a week, children and adolescents need:
    • Vigorous activity such as running or soccer.
    • Activity that strengthens muscles, such as climbing or push-ups.
    • Activity that strengthens bones, such as gymnastics or jumping rope.

Adults (18-64 years):

  • At least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity such as brisk walking.
  • At least 2 days a week of activities that strengthen muscles.

Adults (18-64 years):

  • At least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity such as brisk walking.
  • At least 2 days a week of activities that strengthen muscles.

Older adults (65 years and older):

  • At least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity such as brisk walking.
  • At least 2 days a week of activities that strengthen muscles.
  • Activities to improve balance such as standing on one foot.

Older adults (65 years and older):

  • At least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity such as brisk walking.
  • At least 2 days a week of activities that strengthen muscles.
  • Activities to improve balance such as standing on one foot.

Adults with chronic conditions and disabilities:

  • Get at least 150 minutes (for example, 30 minutes 5 days a week) of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity a week, and;
  • Get at least 2 days a week of muscle- strengthening activities that include all major muscle groups.

Adults with chronic conditions and disabilities:

  • Get at least 150 minutes (for example, 30 minutes 5 days a week) of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity a week, and;
  • Get at least 2 days a week of muscle- strengthening activities that include all major muscle groups.

Pregnant and postpartum women:

  • Get at least 150 minutes (for example, 30 minutes 5 days a week) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week such as brisk walking during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Pregnant and postpartum women:

  • Get at least 150 minutes (for example, 30 minutes 5 days a week) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week such as brisk walking during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Want additional tips and resources to be active?

Learn about Active People, Healthy NationSM, CDC’s national initiative to help people be more physically active.