Less than half of US adults are getting enough aerobic exercise, according to a new report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, the data published on Tuesday shows a significant improvement compared to 2020, when fewer than a quarter of adults met federal guidelines.
The CDC recommends that adults engage in at least 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, or 75–100 minutes of vigorous activity, each week to boost heart health and reduce illness. Vigorous activities include running and cycling, while moderate ones include walking or mowing the lawn.
The report also highlights demographic differences: men were more likely to meet the standards than women, as were adults living in western states and those with higher education levels. Older adults were less likely to meet the guidelines, with 38% of those aged 65 and older hitting targets compared to 54% of 18–34 year olds. Racial disparities were also observed, with white and Asian adults more likely than Hispanic and Black adults to meet the recommendations.
Aerobic activities help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in the US, responsible for over 900,000 deaths annually. The American Heart Association warns that cardiovascular disease currently affects about half of Americans, a figure projected to exceed 61% by 2050 due to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, unhealthy diets, and inactive lifestyles.
While the CDC did not specify reasons for the improvement, the report suggests that more Americans are becoming aware of the importance of physical fitness. Experts recommend starting with a brisk 20-minute daily walk as a simple step to reduce cardiovascular risk.
