24 Hour Fitness introduced universal exercise guidelines for people of all ages and fitness levels. An innovation in the health club industry were developed by 24 Hour Fitness in consultation with former U.S. Assistant Surgeon General Susan Blumenthal, M.D., M.P.A., a national health expert.

The recommendations synthesize information with a goal to break down the barriers that prevent people from reaching their fitness goals.

The new 24 Hour Fitness Exercise Guidelines offer clear, evidence-based recommendations that cut through the clutter and allow individuals to find the best possible fitness plan for themselves. In addition to providing recommendations for how frequently and intensely individuals should engage in both cardiovascular and strength training exercises, the guidelines reflect specific considerations for four key groups.
– Adolescents (ages 11-17)
– Adults (ages 18-64)
– Older adults (ages 65 and older)
– Pregnant or postpartum women

24 Hour Fitness recommends that the average adult participate in 30 minutes of moderate-intensity or 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity cardio activity, five days per week and perform muscle-strengthening activities two to three days per week. The guidelines also provide examples of everyday activities, such as washing a car or playing sports, to help people meet their fitness needs both in and outside of the gym.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) including the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, the Surgeon General’s Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation 2010, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); the 2010 World Health Organization Global Recommendations on Physical Activity and Health; the American Heart Association; the American College of Sports Medicine; the National Association for Sport and Physical Education and the Mayo Clinic. Each source´s guidelines were compiled and compared for areas of agreement.

* 24 Hour Fitness is one of the largest supporters of amateur athletics in the country and will serve as the Official Fitness Center Sponsor of the 2012 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams.

Reference: http://www.live-pr.com/en/hour-fitness-introduces-exercise-guidelines-r1048761932.htm