How much physical activity is recommended by the World Health Organization according to age

Here is how much physical activity is recommended by the World Health Organization according to age.

Perhaps not everyone knows that physical inactivity is identified, on a global scale, as one of the first risk factors for mortality. Not surprisingly, the mandate was given to the WHO (World Health Organization) for the promotion of physical activity. The branching of national guidelines, which are not so widespread today, is also of fundamental importance. Hence the need to develop global recommendations as regards the frequency, duration, intensity, type and total amount of physical activity. The objective that we intend to pursue is to stem and prevent the appearance of certain types of diseases. So let’s see how much physical activity is recommended by the World Health Organization according to age.

Physical activity

Physical activity should not be confused with actual sporting practice. By “physical activity” therefore we mean any body movement produced by the skeletal muscles using energy. This is therefore a rather broad definition that includes physical exercise but also many other activities such as playing, walking, gardening and household work.

Timing

The recommended times of exercise, extensively understood, can vary from 30 to 60 minutes per day. Therefore, while a period of physical activity time of 60 minutes per day may be indicated for children / teenagers, for a healthy adult the goal changes in 150 minutes per week. It is understood that this number of hours will be divided into shorter sessions distributed throughout the week.

So, for example, to reach the goal of 60 minutes of daily physical activity, children will be able to devote themselves to it in two distinct periods of 30 minutes. Likewise, adults will be able to reach the goal of 150 minutes per week by practicing 30 minutes of physical activity five times a week.

Intensity

Focusing on the more adult group of peoplecommon sense should be taken into account in order to minimize the risks of musculoskeletal injuries. It is therefore advisable, especially in the initial stages of physical practice, a certain moderation. Only after you become familiar with certain movements will it be possible to progress but always gradually. Until then to arrive, depending on the case, to more intense levels of physical activity.

Types of business

Wanting to assign a category to the different types of physical activity, two macro areas can be highlighted. Examples of moderate physical activity include brisk walking, dancing, but also housework. While running, pedaling and swimming quickly, as well as moving heavy loads, are among the physical activities of a more intense nature.

From the above, it is possible to draw the following conclusions: practicing a reduced physical practice is better than not practicing it at all. Inactive people should start with limited levels of physical activity and then gradually increase in duration, frequency and intensity over time. Here is how much physical activity is recommended by the World Health Organization according to age. In fact, everyone will benefit from a more active life from a physical point of view. Because as the saying goes “mens sana in corpore sano”.