Question
Study Guide
• What are some weaknesses of the guidelines suggested by the Surgeon General's report? What were
made in the updated version of the SGR?
• Compare the original cardiorespiratory fitness guidelines (i.e. ACSM) with the current U.S. physical acti
ACSM guidelines were designed to do what?)
• Recite the current U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines (2018) for adults.
• List some benefits that happen immediately after a bout of physical activity.
What is the target range of METs for moderate and vigorous activity?
What three exercise types aro part of the 2018 guidelines? Define them.
What are the recommendations for children? Why is it important to emphasize guidelines for kids?
Answer
The weaknesses of the original Surgeon General's Report included a lack of specificity in the guidelines and a lack of emphasis on physical activity for children. The updated version of the SGR included more specific guidelines and emphasized physical activity for children. The original ACSM guidelines were designed to promote cardiorespiratory fitness. The current U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines (2018) for adults recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, and muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week. The target range of METs for moderate activity is 3.0-5.9 and for vigorous activity is 6.0 and above. The three exercise types recommended in the 2018 guidelines are aerobic activity, muscle-strengthening activity, and bone-strengthening activity. The recommendations for children are to engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day, with a variety of aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and bone-strengthening activities. It is important to emphasize guidelines for kids to promote healthy habits and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.