The nurse is working with several clients in a fitness setting. Which client is meeting the age-appropriate recommendations for physical activity developed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)?

Question

1. A 37-year-old who lifts weights for one hour twice per week.
2. A 42-year-old who walks at a slow pace for 60 minutes 4 days per week.
3. A 45-year-old who walks briskly for 30 minutes 6 days per week.
4. A 57-year-old who swims for 20 minutes twice per week.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3

The recommendations for physical activity for adults are: moderate-intensity physical activities for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes per week or 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. Aerobic activity should occur for at least 10-minute episodes throughout the week. Only the adult who walks briskly is meeting the criteria of moderate-intensity physical activities for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes per week or 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. The weight lifter is not exercising the minimum number of hours per week. The 42-year-old who is walking at a slow pace is not meeting the minimum criteria for moderate exercise. The swimmer is only exercising twice per week for a total of 40 minutes.