Physical Activity

Why Physical Activity is Important

Engaging in regular physical activity offers many health benefits, including the following:

• Reduced risk of chronic conditions (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, etc.), depression and anxiety, falls, and other injuries;
• Improved sleep quality and brain health; and
• Increased life expectancy.

Physical Activity in Adults

The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults get:

• At least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity; and
• At least 2 days a week of muscle- and bone-strengthening activity.

Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents

The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends that children and adolescents get:

• At least 60 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity (e.g., walking, running, biking, or anything that gets their heart beating faster); and
• At least 3 days a week of muscle- and bone-strengthening activity.

To learn more about RIDOH’s physical activity program, please visit health.ri.gov/heal.