Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans 2nd Edition

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, focusing on the importance of physical activity for health and wellness.

Physical Activity

Any bodily movement produced by the contraction of skeletal muscle that increases energy expenditure above a basal level.

Aerobic Activity

Physical activity in which the body’s large muscles move in a rhythmic manner for a sustained period, improving cardiorespiratory fitness.

Muscle-Strengthening Activity

Physical activities that make muscles do more work than they are accustomed to, contributing to increased muscular strength.

Intensity

A measure of how hard a person works to perform physical activity, measured as absolute or relative intensity.

Sedentary Behavior

Any waking behavior characterized by low energy expenditure (less than or equal to 1.5 METs) while sitting, reclining, or lying.

Moderate-Intensity Activity

Physical activity that requires 3.0 to 5.9 METs, such as brisk walking, providing substantial health benefits.

Vigorous-Intensity Activity

Physical activity that requires 6.0 METs or more, such as running, providing even greater health benefits.

Key Guidelines for Adults

Adults should engage in at least 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, plus muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week.

Health Benefits of Physical Activity

Physical activity reduces the risk of many chronic diseases and improves mental health, cognitive function, and overall quality of life.

Multicomponent Physical Activity

Activities that include aerobic, muscle strengthening, and balance training, helping to improve overall physical function.