Frequently Asked Questions

Can moderate to low-intensity activity bring benefits?
Most definitely. Activities such as pleasure walking, climbing stairs, gardening, yard work, moderate to heavy housework, dancing and home exercise have been shown to be beneficial. Doing anything is better than nothing.
I have been inactive for years. Shouldn’t I see a doctor before I start becoming physically active?
People middle-aged or older who are inactive and at high risk for heart disease or who already have a medical condition should seek medical advice before they start or significantly increase their physical activity.
How much physical activity is enough?
Again, if you are inactive, doing anything is better than nothing! Active people have lower premature death rates than people who are the least active. You need to exercise three or four times a week for 30-60 minutes at 50-80 percent of your maximum capacity.
Is exercise safe?
The potential health benefits of exercise greatly outweigh the risk, although there is a very slight increased risk of death due to heart attack during vigorous exercise. Consult your doctor first if you have any concerns, have been sedentary, are overweight, are middle-aged or older or have a medical condition.
Do I need to do vigorous exercise?
To achieve health benefits, no. Doing moderate-level activities often will help lower your health risks. If you want to attain a high level of cardiovascular fitness, you need to gradually work up to exercising at least three or four times a week for 30-60 minutes at 50-80 percent of your maximum capacity.
Does exercise counteract the harmful effects of other risk factors?
Studies show that being physically fit lowers heart disease risk, even in people who have other health problems such as high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. To minimize risk, however, you should be physically fit and avoid the other major modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol.
What type of activity is best for improving the fitness of your heart and lungs?
More vigorous aerobic activities such as brisk walking, running, swimming, bicycling, roller-skating, and jumping rope—done three to four times a week for 30-60 minutes—are best.
What is one major risk factor for heart disease and other health problems?
Lack of physical activity. Studies have shown exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, and less fit people have a 30-50 percent greater risk of developing high blood pressure. Regular activity may also reduce the risk of some kinds of embolic strokes.
If I exercise, will I prevent heart disease?
Physical inactivity, along with cigarette smoking, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol, is one of the major modifiable risk factors for heart attack. There is no guarantee that you will not get heart disease, however, your chances of heart disease developing are less if you avoid the risk factors.
What percentage of American adults gets enough exercise to achieve cardiovascular fitness?
Only 22 percent. Fifty-three percent get some exercise, but not regularly or intensely enough to protect their hearts. Twenty-five percent aren’t active at all.

Last Updated: 07/18/2005

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