Physical Activity Basics and Your Health

Key points

  • Physical activity can make you feel better, function better, and sleep better.
  • The amount of physical activity you need depends mostly on your age.
  • There are many ways to add physical activity to your life.
Two women and a baby walking together in a park.

Benefits

Physical activity has many immediate and long-term benefits.

Read about benefits of physical activity and see specific benefits for:

Recommendations and Tips

See how much physical activity is recommended for specific groups. Also see what counts for different ages and tips for adding physical activity to your life.

Children
Adults
Adults 65 and older
Pregnant and postpartum women
Chronic conditions or disabilities

More information

Physical Activity in Daily Life
Featured articles highlight reasons and ways to be physically active.
How to Measure Physical Activity Intensity
Learn about ways to measure aerobic physical activity intensity.
Overcoming Barriers to Physical Activity
Learn common barriers to being physically active and ways to overcome them. 
Places to Be Physically Active
Free apps, websites, and other ways to find new places to be physically active.
Active People, Healthy Nation. Creating an Active America, Together.

Want additional tips and resources to be active?
Learn about Active People, Healthy NationSM, CDC’s national initiative to help people be more physically active.

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Content Source:
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP)