How much exercise is right for you?

In Australia, one in two adults and two in three children aren’t getting enough exercise. As your body changes, so do your exercise needs. Do you know how much exercise your body needs to be healthy?

Let’s take a look at how to Exercise Right for your stage of life…

Children & young people aged 5 – 17

• For health benefits, children aged 5–12 years should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity per day.
• Children’s physical activity should include a variety of aerobic activities, including some vigorous intensity activity.
• On at least three days per week, children should engage in activities that strengthen muscle and bone.
• To achieve additional health benefits, children should engage in more activity – up to several hours per day.

Older Adults 65+

• Older people should do some form of physical activity, no matter what their age, weight, health problems or abilities.
• Older people should be active every day in as many ways as possible, doing a range of physical activities that incorporate fitness, strength, balance and flexibility.
• Older people should accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days.
• Older people who have stopped physical activity, or who are starting a new physical activity, should start at a level that is easily manageable and gradually build up the recommended amount, type and frequency of activity.
• Older people who continue to enjoy a lifetime of vigorous physical activity should carry on doing so in a manner suited to their capability into later life, provided recommended safety procedures and guidelines are adhered to.