1. It is important to not only develop active lifestyles but also to minimize time spent being inactive (or sedentary). A specific Healthy People 2020 goal focuses on reducing the percentage of people who watch more than 2 hours of TV per day. What can you do to reduce the amount of time you spend being sedentary? Create your action plan.

2. Patterns of physical activity vary considerably by gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and other demographic variables. Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conduct regular surveillance of physical activity and other health behaviors to understand patterns and trends in the population. One of the more frequently cited survey instruments is the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Based on the data, approximately 50 percent of Americans report getting regular physical activity (defined in this survey as 301 minutes of moderate physical activity 5 or more days per week, or vigorous physical activity for 201 minutes 3 or more days per week). The website for the BRFSS (www.cdc.gov/brfss/) allows users to examine patterns and trends in health behaviors by a variety of demographic variables and to see the activity levels within specific states.

How do patterns or trends look in your state?

3. The U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicate that adults should get a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate activity each week (e.g., 30 minutes five days a week). However, performing 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week also meets the guidelines.

Do you think 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week is a realistic goal for most people?

4. Lab 6a – Self monitoring of moderate activity