FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW MUCH EXERCISE SHOULD A KIDS AND TEENAGER (AGES 6-18) RECEIVE?
Teenagers should receive at least 60 minutes of exercise every day. The activity could be anything involving aerobic, muscle-strengthening, or bone-strengthening. It is recommended that you do a little of all three throughout the week. The most important part is that your body is moving.
HOW MUCH EXERCISE SHOULD AN ADULT RECIEVE(18-65)?
Adults should have at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity and at least 2 days of muscle training each week.
HOW MUCH EXERCISE SHOULD OLDER ADULTS RECIEVE(65+)?
Other adults have a variety of exercises that they should do throughout the week:
"At least 150 minutes a week (for example, 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week) of moderate intensity activity such as brisk walking. Or they need 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity such as hiking, jogging, or running.
At least 2 days a week of activities that strengthen muscles.
Activities to improve balance such as standing on one foot about 3 days a week."
(Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
HOW IS MENTAL HEALTH CONNECTED TO PHYSICAL FITNESS?
Mental health has a direct connection to the amount of physical exercise received. A lot goes into what causes poor mental health and what ensures that physical fitness does what your body and mind needs. Although the state of your mental health can be affected by many factors, your exercise level is a leading factor. Keeping your body moving and healthy keeps your serotonin levels up and helps you to take care of the body we were gifted from God. Without physical activity falling into a depressive state becomes much easier since your body cannot function as easily as it would with the proper amount of exercise. Poor fitness also leads to other health issues in the future. It is important to receive the proper amount of exercise each day without overworking yourself to the point that your mental health no longer benefits. Physical fitness should be a key component of our day to day lives no matter the current state of our health in order to live a happier life.