Physical_Activity_Guidelines

Being physically active is one of the most important steps Americans of all ages and abilities can take to
improve their overall health. When people are physically active, they receive a wide array of health benefits—
from reducing feelings of anxiety and depression and improving sleep and quality of life to lowering the risk of
developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and many cancers.
Based upon a careful review of the science, the second
edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
provides guidance on how much physical activity is needed
to obtain health benefits. However, providing guidance by
itself is rarely sufficient to produce change. In 2015, only
about 20 percent of high school students and adults reported
getting enough physical activity to meet the aerobic and
muscle-strengthening key guidelines. To make progress,
action is necessary.
For those who are not yet physically active, the news is
good—a number of proven strategies can help increase levels
of physical activity. This chapter highlights several evidencebased
strategies individuals and communities can take.
Because improving physical activity across the country will
require the efforts of individuals, families, and many sectors of
society, the chapter closes with steps everyone can take.
Learn More
See Appendix 2 for Federal
resources with information on how to
increase physical activity, including:
• Physical Activity Guidelines for
Americans Midcourse Report:
Strategies to Increase Physical
Activity Among Youth
• Step it Up! The Surgeon General’s
Call to Action to Promote Walking
and Walkable Communities
• Guide to Community Preventive
Services
Evidence-Based Strategies
To most effectively increase physical activity levels, evidence-based strategies should be used. This means
that researchers or practitioners have tested the strategy and shown that it can increase physical activity.
A review of the science shows that many evidence-based strategies can be used to promote and support
physical activity. Some strategies involve working with people one-on-one or in small groups to change their
physical activity. Other strategies can be implemented more broadly at the community level through programs,
practices, and policies that make physical activity an easy choice. These evidence-based strategies show that
making physical activity the safe and easy choice does help people become more active.
For Individuals or Small Groups
Strategies targeting individuals can benefit all age groups, including children, adolescents, adults, and older
adults. Many ways exist to deliver information and guidance to these groups to motivate their participation in
physical activity.
Studies with individuals or small groups show that interventions based on theories of behavior change are
successful in helping people achieve an active lifestyle. Theory-based approaches apply knowledge about
how people change behaviors to teach people skills that help them incorporate physical activity into their
daily routines. Below are three evidence-based strategies that can be applied to help individuals change
their behaviors and attain a physically active lifestyle.
Chapter 8. Taking Action: Increasing Physical Activity Levels of Americans 95