Written by: Jenna Hillman
American adults are getting less than half of the recommended amount of physical activity according to studies based on the federal physical activity guidelines.
According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics, also known as NCHS, only 23 percent of adults in America between the ages of 18 and 64 are reaching the benchmark of getting both a minimum of 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate exercise or 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous exercise every week, as well as doing muscle-strengthening exercises a minimum of twice a week.
The results were found by collecting data from the National Health Interview Survey over the past five years. The report also concluded that around 32 percent of adults met only one of the standards but not both, and close to 45 percent did not hit either expectation. Adults in the workforce were more likely to meet the standard. It also found that 8 percent more men got the recommended amount of activity compared to women and that states located in the northeast and on the West Coast had higher percentages of meeting the exercise standards than other areas.
Daniel Hartman has been an in person personal trainer for over 10 years. Hartman said that by incorporating workouts into an individual's daily routine can “ In addition to the obvious body composition benefits, incorporating workouts into your daily routine can increase the production of hormones that make you feel happy and help you sleep better. Quite often your workout improves your mental fortitude because more often than not, it’s the hardest thing you’ll have to do all day. It can also improve your skin's appearance and lessen the risk of chronic illness.”
Getting less than the recommended amount of exercise does not only take a toll on an individuals both physical and mental health but also their wallet. People who don't get enough exercise have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia and cancer, found in a study led by the World Health Organization. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health also found in a study that taking an hour walk or 15 minute run everyday can decrease the risk of major depression by 26 percent. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also known as CDC, the effects caused by the lack of physical activity make up an estimated $117 billion a year in health care costs.
Michaela Bell, online personal trainer and macro nutrition coach, said that planning ahead help her stay consistent with working out. Bell said, “ Setting time aside in my day for a workout and meal prep are extremely helpful. It is easy to get “too busy” and skip workouts. When I have the time carved out for it, I am setting myself up for success and overall time creating a healthy routine.” Bell also said that,” knowing my “why” or purpose behind my goal helps to keep me motivated. It’s important to realize that nobody stays motivated forever, but the people who find the most success are disciplined enough to do it on days where they don’t feel like it. When you form habits and routines it can outweigh the days where your motivation is lacking.”
Ashley Yewell is 23-years-old and works out an average of six times a week. Yewell said that she stays “motivated by my friends, we all have such and active lifestyle that working out becomes a social occasion too. Surrounding myself with people who are like minded and goal orientated always keeps me on track. “
Sources:
Ashley Yewell- 520-343-3679
Michaela Bell- info@michaelasmotto.com
Daniel Hartman- 480-225-9733
https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/physical-activity.htm
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