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The American Heart Association released new guidelines which suggest adults need to increase their level of physical activity in line with 1 of the 2 options below:

• moderately intense exercise for 30 mins for 5 days a week. For example; a fast walk, swim or low impact aerobics class.
• vigorous exercise 20 mins for 3 days a week. For example, jogging or a high impact aerobics class.

Dr Blair who helped to design the guidelines said, "I think physical inactivity is the biggest public health problem we face. I think it actually accounts for more morbidity and mortality than anything except maybe cigarette smoking."

The report also suggests weightlifting exercise to build on muscular strength especially for those aged 65 years or older.

The positive impact of an increase in physical activity on the body can help to reduce the risk of suffering from the following conditions;

• cardiovascular disease
• high blood pressure
• stroke
• type 2 diabetes
• osteoporosis
• obesity
• colon cancer
• breast cancer.

Many good reasons to exercise!

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