The ACSM has updated its Physical Activity Guidelines

[Esteban]

"INDIANAPOLIS – All healthy adults ages 18 to 65 years need moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity for at least 30 minutes on five days each week or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity for at least 20 minutes on three days each week, according to updated physical activity guidelines released today by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Heart Association (AHA).

Further, adults will benefit from performing activities that maintain or increase muscular strength and endurance for at least two days each week. It is recommended that 8-10 exercises using the major muscle groups be performed on two non-consecutive days. To maximize strength development, a resistance (weight) should be used for 8-12 repetitions of each exercise resulting in willful fatigue. [...]"


Complete news release:


http://www.acsm.org/AM/Template.cfm?...entDisplay.cfm

[SDGatt]

This is a good thing.
Far too many adult American's don't exercise, and are teaching their childern the same bad habits.

[AFI82]

I think this is the follow-up story to the original.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6950856.stm

Here's the part that bothered/interested me from the article


"Dr David Haslam, of the National Obesity Forum, questioned whether it was realistic to expect people to do two weight training sessions each week. "I'd rather see healthy habits built into daily life - gyms aren't a sustainable habit for all," he said. "

I don't see any problems with 2 weight training sessions a week. If that was really the absolute minimum requirement to stay in shape, then most of us here would be way over the top. 2 hours a week is very realistic.

As for the last part of the quote, I fully hope to be exercising in my home gym right up until they day I depart. I accept the fact that my range of motion and capabilities may deteriorate at some point, but I definitely don't plan on stopping. Save the people that are physically impaired, I don't see why this couldn't be a sustainable habit. It's just that they won't let it grow in to a habit.

[drs]

Dr. Haslam perhaps dosn't know that resistence bands and adjustable dumbells make resistence exercise possible for almost everyone at home for very little cost.