Physical_Activity_Guidelines

A Roadmap to the Physical Activity
Guidelines for Americans
• For an overview of the development of the Physical
Activity Guidelines for Americans and important
background information about physical activity,
read Chapter 1. Introducing the Physical Activity
Guidelines for Americans.
• To learn about the health benefits of physical activity,
read Chapter 2. Physical Activity and Health. This
information may help motivate people to become
regularly active.
Note
The Guidelines assume that many
readers will not read all the chapters,
but only what is relevant to them.
Important information may therefore
be repeated in several chapters.
• To understand how to do physical activity in a manner that meets the Guidelines:
• For youth ages 3 through 17 years, including youth with disabilities, read Chapter 3. Active
Children and Adolescents.
•y For adults ages 18 through 64 years, read Chapter 4. Active Adults.
•y For adults ages 65 years and older, read Chapter 5. Active Older Adults. The Guidelines for older
adults are similar to those for adults, but add specific guidance, such as the importance of doing
multicomponent physical activities.
• For adults with chronic health conditions or
disabilities, read Chapter 4. Active Adults or Chapter
5. Active Older Adults and Chapter 6. Additional
Considerations for Some Adults. Chapters 4 and 6 are
also relevant for women who are pregnant or
postpartum.
• To understand how to reduce the risks of activityrelated
injury, read Chapter 7. Active and Safe.
• To learn about strategies to promote and support
regular physical activity, read Chapter 8. Taking
Action: Increasing Physical Activity Levels of
Americans.
• For definitions of key terms used in the Guidelines,
consult the Glossary.
• To find additional information and relevant resources,
consult the Appendices.
1. Physical Activity Behaviors: Intensity, Bouts, and Steps
2. Federal Physical Activity Resources
12 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans