Physical Activity

Physical activity is one of the best things you can do in your daily routine to live a healthier lifestyle and improve your overall well-being! In addition to proper nutrition, physical activity can have many health benefits, including:

Prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and stroke
Promote strong bones and muscles
Improve sleep
Increase energy and self esteem
Relieve stress

Fitness Guidelines

In 2018, the Department of Health and Human Services released the 2nd edition of Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. The key guidelines for adults include:

Move more and sit less throughout the day. Some physical activity is better than none. Adults who sit less and perform any amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity gain some health benefits.
Try to do at least 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity, or 75-150 minutes of vigorous intensity, or a combination of moderate/vigorous activity each week. Preferably, this aerobic activity should be spread throughout the week.
Engage in physical activity beyond 300 minutes each week to gain additional health benefits.
Do muscle strengthening activities of moderate or greater intensity that involve all major muscle groups on 2 or more days each week for additional health benefits.

Your physical activity does not have to be limited to gym time - try these activities as well:

Walking briskly
Dancing
Bicycling
Rock climbing
Kayaking
Swimming
Hiking
Yoga

Need more ideas to meet the physical activity recommendations? Check out the following resources:

UCSD Recreation - discover facilities, classes, adventures, competitive sports and many ways to be physically active
UCSD Climbing Center - FREE for students
Walk UCSD - walking maps and routes across campus for all fitness levels
San Diego Walking & Hiking Trails

Physical Activity

Fitness Guidelines

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