Like us on Facebook!

University of California
Cooperative Extension
Placer/Nevada Counties
11477 E Avenue
Auburn, CA 95603
(530) 889-7350

Dan Macon
County Director

Physical Activity

Daily Physical Activity is important for people of all ages. Regular participation in physical activity can help you to feel better about yourself, strengthen muscles and bones, reduce risks of disease, and improve performance in school and/or work.

Everyone should participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity. These types of activities increase your heart rate and improve your heart health. During moderate activities, you are breathing hard but can still keep a conversation. If you can only say a few words before taking a breath, then it's vigorous activity. Pick activities that you enjoy.

Moderate Physical Activities include:

Walking briskly (about 3½ miles per hour)
Bicycling (less than 10 miles per hour)
General gardening (raking, trimming shrubs)
Dancing
Golf (walking and carrying clubs)
Water aerobics
Canoeing
Tennis (doubles)

Vigorous Physical Activities include:

Running/jogging (5 miles per hour)
Walking very fast (4½ miles per hour)
Bicycling (more than 10 miles per hour)
Heavy yard work, such as chopping wood
Swimming (freestyle laps)
Aerobics
Basketball (competitive)
Tennis (singles)

For more physical activity resources such as workout videos and lessons, please visit our CATCH or Physical Activity Tips, Videos, and Guides pages.

Kids Physical Activity

Physical Activity is important for helping kids grow strong and healthy. Kids need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Studies have shown that regular exercise for kids not only helps them stay healthy, but also have a better mood and do better in school.

Adult Physical Activity

Although no longer growing, adults still need physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Adults need at least 30 minutes physical activity every day.