According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, adults should participate in at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly.36 The target heart rate for moderate-intensity physical activity should be 50% to 70% of a person’s maximum heart rate.37 Respiratory
exertion increases at this level—though not to the point that it should prevent conversation. Examples of moderate-intensity physical activity include walking at a brisk pace, biking at a leisurely pace, or ballroom dancing. Vigorous-intensity physical
activity, on the other hand, usually makes it difficult to say more than a few words without pausing to catch your breath.38 Examples include jogging, biking at more than 10 miles per hour, or aerobic dancing.