What is the standard recommendation for physical activity in adults to promote health?

The standard recommendation for physical activity in adults to promote health is to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. This guidance is founded on extensive research indicating that such levels of physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve mental health, enhance overall fitness, and contribute to weight management.

Moderate-intensity exercise includes activities that increase your heart rate and make you breathe harder but still allow you to carry on a conversation. Examples include brisk walking, dancing, or gardening. Engaging in this volume of activity on a weekly basis supports cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones, and is beneficial for mental well-being.

This recommendation is aimed at creating a sustainable exercise routine that can be realistically integrated into most people's lives, promoting both long-term health and wellness. It considers not just intense exercise, which may not be feasible for everyone, but emphasizes moderate activities that are accessible to a broader range of individuals.