Final answer:
It is false that accumulating activity in 10-minute bouts is not recommended for health benefits. Short bouts of exercise throughout the day contribute to the total recommended weekly physical activity and offer significant health advantages, including improving cardiovascular and muscular fitness, as well as weight management.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that accumulating activity in bouts of 10 minutes is not recommended if an individual wants to achieve health benefits is false. The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, issued by the Department of Health and Human Services, affirm that any amount of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity can confer health benefits. Adults are advised to aim for at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, but these can indeed be accumulated in increments of at least 10 minutes throughout the day. This is significant because even short durations add up to produce health gains, improving cardiovascular health, muscular fitness, bone density, cognitive function, and assisting with weight control.
Engaging in physical activity beyond the recommended 300 minutes per week can lead to additional benefits, especially in weight management. Along with aerobic activities, adults should also engage in muscle-strengthening activities involving all major muscle groups on 2 or more days per week. These muscle-strengthening activities contribute to overall health enhancement.
Thus, starting with small bouts of activity like a 10-minute brisk walk and eventually accumulating more activity is not only recommended but can be a practical approach for individuals trying to meet their exercise goals.