Physical Activity Guidelines
Menu
physical activity guidelines banner featuring a woman wearing a hijab doing kettlebell swings

Research shows that regular physical activity offers numerous health benefits including, but not limited to, the regulation of blood pressure, management of anxiety and depression and the prevention of weight gain. ACSM provides recommendations and guidelines for physical activity and exercise based on the latest science and insights from health professionals.

ACSM is known throughout the industry as the "gold standard" when it comes to exercise recommendations. Thanks in large part to the publication of ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, now in its 11th edition. GETP has been a staple resource for professionals since 1975.

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition, published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, gives the most current physical activity recommendations for all age groups and special populations.
horizontal line with lime green, blue and black sections

ACSM and CDC recommendations state that:

  • All healthy adults aged 18–65 years should participate in moderate intensity aerobic physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes on five days per week, or vigorous intensity aerobic activity for a minimum of 20 minutes on three days per week.
  • Every adult should perform  activities that maintain or increase muscular strength and endurance for a minimum of two days per week.

physical activity guidelines for americans

horizontal line with lime green, blue and black sections

Guidelines for Physical Activity and Health: Evolution Over 50 Years.

Presented as the D.B. Dill Historical Lecture at the 2019 ACSM Annual Meeting, William Haskell, PhD, FACSM, and ACSM past president, presented a timeline of the developing science behind the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

Learn More

The Basics of Exercise Guidelines, Online course, 1 CEC. Image of young man coaching young woman using a weighted barbell
U.S. Physical activity guidelines midcourse report, addressing health equity in older adults, online course, 1 CEC. Image of senior woman using hand dumbbells
Program design considerations for parkinson's disease, online course, 1 CEC. Image of young woman coaching a senior woman using an exercise ball