I recently received an online newsletter from the American Heart Association with news about updated recommendations for exercise and fitness. The guidelines have changed.

“According to the latest joint American Heart Association/American College of Sports Medicine guidelines on physical activity, all healthy adults ages 18–65 should be getting at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity five days of the week. However, there are additional guidelines for older adults, ages 65 and older, or for those adults aged 50-64 with chronic conditions or physical functional limitations (e.g. arthritis) that affect movement ability or physical fitness.”

The newsletter links to several articles published in Circulation, the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Basically, the guidelines state that importance of aerobic exercise, strength training, and staying flexible. If you need a little motivation to tie on your tennis shoes, raise a few pounds of hand weights, or engage in some yoga or tai chi to stay flexible, you may be interested in signing up for a free 12-week program sponsored by the AHA called Choose to Move. Check it out and start moving today.