Physical Activity Basics
Taking Steps for Better Health
Regular physical activity helps improve your overall health and reduces your risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression and cancer.
Other benefits of regular physical activity:
- Control weight
- Improve mood
- Boost energy
- Promote better sleep
- Strengthen your bones and muscles1
Learn how Minnesota is expanding opportunities for all students to be active
With funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Minnesota Department of Health worked with several partners, including the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN) and Twin Cities Adaptive Cycling, to expand the Walk! Bike! Fun! Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Curriculum so it supports students with mobility limitations.
Get details about the curriculum at Bike.MN.
Watch our video!
What You Should Know
- Adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week plus muscle-strengthening activity at least two days per week.1
- Children and teens ages 6 to 17 should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, with muscle- and bone-strengthening activities at least three days a week.1
- Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.
What You Can Do
- Support plans to connect walking, biking and public transportation routes to everyday destinations, like work, shopping, school or entertainment.
- Encourage your school district to incorporate more physical activity into your child's day.
- Talk to your employer about ways that can help get moving more at work, including offering breaks to allow for physical activity during the day.
Learn More
Gain additional perspectives and physical activity guidelines recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
1U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2018.