Percentage of Adults Who Reported No Leisure Time Physical Activity

Physical Activity in the United States

About 26 percent of adults get no leisure time physical activity and 39 percent are not active enough. (Engaging in 30 minutes of physical activity at least 5 days per week is recommended.) Populations with low rates of physical activity include:
Women
African Americans and Hispanics
Adults in northeastern and southern states
Older adults
Regular physical activity helps to maintain the functional independence of older adults and enhances the quality of life for people of all ages.
Regular physical activity:
Substantially reduces the risk of dying of coronary heart disease
Decreases the risk for colon cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure
Helps to control weight
Contributes to the development and maintenance of healthy bones, muscles, and joints
Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, fosters improvements in mood and feelings of well-being
Helps to relieve pain and maintain joint mobility for many people with arthritis.
Active Community Environments can help people be more physically active by providing them with safe and attractive places to walk, ride bicycles and enjoy other recreational activities.

(www.ncsl.org/programs/health/rwj/htm )
(www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/aces.htm)

Sources: Healthy People 2010; Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) 2001; Active Community Environments, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

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