Regular physical activity helps to prevent illness and improves the overall quality of life. That is why Lincoln's Physical Activity Council is working to get LINCOLN IN MOTION!

The Council was founded to promote active living for life. LINCOLN IN MOTION promotes local events that encourage physically active lifestyles for people of all ages.

LINCOLN IN MOTION:
• Encourages individuals and communities to adopt healthy behaviors through education.
• Supports public policy that fosters active living.
• Promotes and develops community partnerships.
• Encourages social and environmental change to increase opportunities for physical activity.

AMA UPDATED GUIDELINES

The American Heart Association and the American College of Sports Medicine have updated the guidelines for physical activity. Separate recommendations are made for healthy adults under age 65 and for adults over age 65 or with chronic conditions that may limit physical activity.

The guidelines continue the commitment to regular aerobic activity and recommendations for strength training.

For healthy adults to maintain health and reduce the risk of chronic disease, the guidelines recommend: 

Do moderately intense cardio 30 minutes a day, five days a week

Or

Do vigorously intense cardio 20 minutes a day, 3 days a week

And

Do eight to 10 strength-training exercises, eight to 12 repetitions of each exercise twice a week.

For older adults, the guidelines recommend:

Do moderately intense aerobic exercise 30 minutes a day, five days a week

Or

Do vigorously intense aerobic exercise 20 minutes a day, 3 days a week

And

Do eight to 10 strength-training exercises, 10-15 repetitions of each exercise twice to three times per week

And

If you are at risk of falling, perform balance exercises

And

Have a physical activity plan. 

The recommendations appear in the issue of Circulation posted on the web August 1.  See the announcement and links to the articles at http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200013

There is also information at http://www.acsm.org