Adults guidelines
This set of guidelines applies to adults aged 19-64 years. Surveys have consistently demonstrated low levels of physical activity in the adult population, particularly among specific social and demographic sub-groups. Inadequate physical activity and excessive sedentary behaviour, both highly prevalent in the adult population, represent critical public health issues in the UK.
Physical activity guidelines for adults
- Adults should aim to be active daily. Over a week, activity should add up to at least 150 minutes (2½ hours) of moderate intensity activity in bouts of 10 minutes or more - one way to approach this is to do 30 minutes on at least 5 days a week.
- Alternatively, comparable benefits can be achieved through 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity spread across the week or a combination of moderate and vigorous intensity activity.
- Adults should also undertake physical activity to improve muscle strength on at least two days a week.
- All adults should minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary (sitting) for extended periods.
These guidelines are designed to help professionals and practitioners working with adults understand the type and amount of physical activity people should do to benefit their health.
Support and dissemination
Our evidence briefing focuses on physical activity and adults aged 19-64. This document is designed for professionals who require a review of the available evidence. It includes information on health outcomes of physical activity, current levels and implications of practice.
Download: Adults evidence briefing
Public Health England
An infographic has been developed to help healthcare professionals initiate conversations with patients about the importance of physical activity for health. It targets doctors, nurses, GP surgeries, charities and allied health professionals to help them advise patients to be physically active.
Download: Physical activity benefits for adults and older adults
Department of Health
To support these guidelines the Department of Health has produced factsheets summarising the guidelines for adults.
Download: Factsheet 4: Adults (19-64 years)
NHS Choices
NHS Choices is the country's biggest health website and provides information to allow people to make choices about their health. For NHS Choices' information about physical activity for adults visit www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/physical-activity-guidelines-for-adults
