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Page | Last updated: 09 Apr 2021

Physical activity recommendations for adults

Physical activity recommendations for adults (18-64 years old) as described by health-related organisations

Source

Recommendation

EU Physical Activity Guidelines 2008
  • 'In accordance with the guidance documents of the World Health Organisation, the European Union and its Member States recommend […]  a minimum of 30 minutes of daily moderate-intensity physical activity for adults including seniors '.
WHO 2010
  • At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week or do at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity'.
  • 'Aerobic activity should be performed in bouts of at least 10 minutes duration'.
  • 'For additional health benefits, adults should increase their moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity to 300 minutes per week, or engage in 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity'.
  • 'Muscle-strengthening activities should be done involving major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week'.
Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2012
  • 'Adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the week or engage in at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity throughout the week or engage in an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity preferably spread out over most days during the week'.
Health Council of the Netherlands 2017
  • Engage in moderately intensive physical activity such as walking or cycling for at least 150 minutes a week, spread over several days. The longer you are physically active, and the more frequently and/or more vigorous the activity, the greater the health benefit derived.
  • Engage in physical activities that strengthen muscles and bones at least twice a week, such as climbing stairs, repeatedly rising from your chair, and strength training, and, for older persons, combine these with balance exercises.

Fonds Gesundes Österreich (Austria) 2012

  • Adults (18-64 years) should be moderately physical active for 150 minutes or vigorously (incl. muscle strengthening activities) physical active for at least 75 minutes a week or an equivalent combination of both activities.
Danish Health Authority 2014
  • Adults (18-65 years old) should be active for at least 30 minutes per day. The activity should be of moderate to high intensity and should extend beyond the usual short-term daily activities. If the 30 minutes are divided, each activity should last at least 10 minutes.
  • Engage in physical activity of high intensity at least twice a week for at least 20 minutes to maintain or improve physical fitness and muscle strength. Incorporate activities that increase bone strength and flexibility.

UK Department of Health, Social Services, and Public Safety 2011

  • 'Over a week, activity should add up to at least 150 minutes (2½ hours) of moderate intensity activity in bouts of 10 minutes or more – one way to approach this is to do 30 minutes on at least 5 days a week'.
  • 'Alternatively, comparable benefits can be achieved through 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity spread across the week or combinations of moderate and vigorous intensity activity'.
  • 'Adults should also undertake physical activity to improve muscle strength on at least two days a week'.
European Society of Cardiology 2016
  • 'It is recommended for healthy adults of all ages to perform at least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous intensity aerobic PA or an equivalent combination thereof'.
  • 'For additional benefits in healthy adults, a gradual increase in aerobic PA to 300 minutes a week of moderate intensity, or 150 minutes a week of vigorous intensity aerobic PA, or an equivalent combination thereof is recommended'.
American College of Sports Medicine 2015
  • 30–60 minutes per day (150 min/week) of purposeful moderate exercise, or 20–60 minutes per day (75 min/week) of vigorous exercise, or a combination of moderate and vigorous exercise per day is recommended for most adults.
  • 2-3 days per week of resistance training for each major muscle group is recommended.
  • Flexibility exercise and neuromotor exercise training is recommended to be performed at least 2-3 days per week.
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans 2018
  • 'For substantial health benefits, adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) to 300 minutes (5 hours) a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) to 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. Preferably, aerobic activity should be spread throughout the week'.
  • 'Additional health benefits are gained by engaging in physical activity beyond the equivalent of 300 minutes (5 hours) of moderate-intensity physical activity a week'.
  • 'Adults should also do muscle-strengthening activities of moderate or greater intensity and that involve all major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week, as these activities provide additional health benefits'.

Australian Department of Health 2017

  • Accumulate 150 to 300 minutes (2 ½ to 5 hours) of moderate intensity physical activity or 75 to 150 minutes (1 ¼ to 2 ½ hours) of vigorous intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination of both moderate and vigorous activities, each week.
  • Doing any physical activity is better than doing none. If you currently do no physical activity, start by doing some, and gradually build up to the recommended amount.
  • Be active on most, preferably all, days every week.
  • Do muscle strengthening activities on at least 2 days each week.