New physical activity recommendations for Switzerland
Exercise in everyday life makes an important contribution to health, at any age. The Exercise and Health Network hepa.ch has now adapted the WHO's new exercise recommendations for Switzerland. Above all, prolonged sitting should be avoided as far as possible.
Exercise makes an important contribution to maintaining and promoting physical and mental health and can help prevent or treat illnesses, according to the Federal Office of Sport (FOSPO). In addition, regular exercise increases well-being and quality of life.
The most recent Swiss physical activity recommendations are from the Network Physical Activity and Health hepa.ch have been published and are based on the global physical activity recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). The hepa.ch network is supported by the Federal Offices FOPH and FOSPO, the Swiss Health Promotion Foundation and the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention.
Interrupt sitting as often as possible
In the previous recommendations, the basis was that a section of exercise must last at least ten minutes, the FOSPO writes. The new exercise recommendations do away with this requirement, according to the Federal Office. Now it is important to include as much movement as possible in everyday life. The global and national physical activity recommendations now focus in particular on interrupting sitting as often as possible and limiting prolonged sitting. True to the motto: Every movement counts!
How much exercise is recommended?
Any exercise is better than none, and more is better. Specifically, it is recommended:
- For health and well-being, WHO recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week for all adults (or 75 to 150 minutes for high intensity), and an average of at least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day for children and adolescents throughout the week. For children under 5, 180 minutes of exercise per day is recommended.
- From the age of 5 and into old age, it is recommended to additionally perform varied movements that strengthen muscles and bones and, depending on age, promote balance, dexterity and agility.
- Limiting and interrupting prolonged sitting with exercise of any intensity is recommended.
More information here
