Most of us don’t exercise enough

A new report says that most Americans are not getting enough exercise.

While many of us are working out, we may not be getting enough physical activity.

According to government statistics, about 79% of adults don’t meet the exercise guidelines that recommend at least 2½ hours a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. The guidelines also suggest muscle-strengthening activities two or more days a week.

Moderate aerobic activity includes brisk walking, or one hour and 15 minutes a week of a more intese activity such as jogging. Muscle-strengthening activities include exercise using resistance bands or weights.

The statistics are published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, a journal published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The self-reported figures indicate that only 21% of people say they are getting the recommended amount of physical activity. They also suggest that women, Hispanics, older adults, and obese adults were all less likely to meet the physical activity recommendations. And only one in five American adults is meeting the requirements.

“It amazes me that given all the well-known benefits of physical activity that so few Americans choose to be regularly active. The most powerful thing you can do for your health is become active,” said Tim Church, director of preventive medicine research at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

In other words, lace up your cutest sneakers and get moving.

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