Two national public health recommendations regarding physical activity are frequently cited.

In 1995, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine published a recommendation focusing on moderate physical activity. (Pate et al, JAMA, 1995;273(5):402-407) This recommendation states that "all US adults should accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week."

One year later the Surgeon General’s Report was released which stated that "adults should expend at least 150 kilocalories/day or accumulate 1,000 kilocalories per week in moderate and vigorous physical activity. (US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion,1996)

One additional recommendation focuses on the amount of physical activity and exercise needed to develop and maintain cardiorespiratory fitness. The position statement from the American College of Sports Medicine recommends vigorous intensity exercise (>55% target heart rate) for at 20-60 minutes at least 3 times per week. (ACSM, Med Sci Sport Exerc, 1998;30(6):975-91.