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2008 Physical Activity Guidelines

CDC played a key role in developing the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines, the first comprehensive guidelines on physical activity issued by the federal government. The guidelines set achievable goals that can be customized according to a person’s interests, lifestyle, and goals.

In April 2007, HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt appointed a 13-member advisory committee to produce a comprehensive report based on a thorough review of scientific research on physical activity and health. Released in October 2008, the guidelines are a primary source of information for multiple audiences, including policy makers and health providers. The guidelines provide the amount, type, and intensity of physical activity people need to achieve for lifelong health benefits and are designed to help people easily incorporate enjoyable physical activities into their daily plan. For the first time, specific subgroups are addressed, such as youth, older Americans, those with disabilities, and pregnant women.

In conjunction with the release of the guidelines, CDC also redesigned and updated the Physical Activity for Everyone Web site. The Web site provides examples and tools to help people better understand how much activity they need to do on a consistent basis, how to begin a sensible routine, and how to find enjoyable activities that fit into their lifestyle.

Major Research Findings

• Both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities are beneficial.
• Health benefits apply to people of all types, sizes, and ages.
• Health benefits occur for people with disabilities.
• Physical activity can be done safely. Benefits far outweigh possible risks.
• Adults who participate in any amount of physical activity gain health benefits.
• Two hours and 30 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity substantially reduces the risk of many chronic diseases and other adverse health outcomes.
• An increase from 2.5 to five hours of moderate aerobic activity provides additional health benefits.
• For fitness benefits, aerobic activities should last at least 10 minutes.

For more information on the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines and the benefits of physical activity, visit

• www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/
• www.cdc.gov/Features/BeActive/
• www.health.gov/Paguidelines/

This work supports CDC’s Health Protection Goals of Healthy People in Every Stage of Life, and Healthy People in a Healthy World.

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