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Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 1996
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Damon Thompson (202)205-1842

"The best exercise is one that you are actually going to do," said Manley. "Many well-intentioned people set overly ambitious exercise goals at the start of a new year. Once they get sore or injured, they quit exercising, but a more moderate approach would keep them on the road to improving their health."

The recent Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health concluded that regular, moderate physical activity offers substantial benefits in health and well-being for the vast majority of Americans who are not physically active. That report defines moderate physical activity as one which uses 150 calories of energy per day, or 1,000 calories per week.

Examples of moderate physical activity include walking briskly for 30 minutes, washing and waxing a car for 45-60 minutes, gardening for 30-45 minutes, pushing a stroller 12 miles in 30 minutes, and swimming laps for 20 minutes.

More than 60 percent of American adults do not achieve the recommended amount of physical activity, and 25 percent of adults are not physically active at all. Among young people aged 12-21, nearly 50 percent are not vigorously active on a regular basis.

The Surgeon General's report concluded that regular moderate physical activity can substantially reduce the risk of developing or dying from heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and high blood pressure. It found that regular participation in physical activity also appears to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve mood, and enhance ability to perform daily tasks throughout life.

Copies of the Surgeon General's report can be obtained by calling 1-888-CDC-4NRG.