This is the first Surgeon General's report to address physical activity and health. The main message of this report is that Americans can substantially improve their health and quality of life by including moderate amounts of physical activity in their daily lives. Health benefits from physical activity are thus achievable for most Americans, including those who may dislike vigorous exercise and those who may have been previously discouraged by the difficulty of adhering to a program of vigorous exercise. For those who are already achieving regular moderate amounts of activity, additional benefits can be gained by further increases in activity level. [Extr. introd. 1996]

Promotes value of lifelong moderate exercise.

This report was prepared by the Department of Health and Human Services under the direction of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, in collaboration with the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.