How Much Exercise Do You Need?

How Much Physical Activity Do You Truly Need?

No matter your age, exercising regularly can help improve your overall health and lower your risk for many chronic diseases. However, the recommended number of hours per day and types of exercise depend on your age group and other factors, such as if you're pregnant or have a limiting physical condition. Learn more with help from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and remember, even a little physical activity is better than none at all.

Physical Activity Guidelines

• Children
  6 to 17 years old*
• Older Adults
  65 years or older

• Adults
  18 to 64 years old
• Pregnant or Postpartum Women

*The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans do not include guidelines for children younger than 6 years old.  Physical activity in infants and young children is, of course, necessary for healthy growth and development. Children younger than 6 should be physically active in ways appropriate for their age and stage of development. Physical activity guidelines for children younger than 6 that are specific to the early care and education setting are included in Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards; Guidelines for Early Care and Education Programs (3rd Ed.)