Final answer:
To reap additional health benefits, adults should engage in 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, according to HHS guidelines. This activity should be spread out over the week and accompanied by muscle-strengthening exercises.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), for additional health benefits, adults should aim for at least 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) to 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity. Vigorous activities are those where a person can say only a few words without stopping to breathe. It's recommended that this activity be spread throughout the week to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system and to gain a range of health benefits that include improved cardiovascular and muscular fitness, bone density, cognitive function, and assistance in weight management.
The guidelines also emphasize the importance of engaging in physical activity beyond sitting, with muscular strengthening activities recommended at least twice a week. Increased physical activity not only reduces the risk of several diseases but also contributes to an extended lifespan, with studies citing an average life gain of nearly four years when exercising at 100 percent of HHS guidelines.