The Value of Exercise

All adults should set a long-term goal to do at least 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, or preferably all, days of the week. Intermittent or shorter periods of activity (at least 10 minutes), including occupational or nonoccupational tasks and everyday activities of daily life, confer similar cardiovascular and other health benefits if performed at a level of moderate intensity (such as brisk walking) for a total of 30 minutes per day. Additional health and fitness benefits may be conferred by burning up to 3,500 calories per week with additional physically activities or more vigorous workouts. Increasing calories expenditure from 1,000 to 3,500 calories per week can be accomplishedby doing one or more of the following: Spending more time doing current exercises and activities. Doing the exercises and activities at a higher intensity level. Adding more exercises and activities to a fitness program.