Most people know that exercise is “good for you,” but did you know there are official guidelines that outline the minimum amount of activity needed to maintain health? These are called the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) Minimal Physical Activity Guidelines, and here’s the surprising truth: the majority of Canadians aren’t meeting them.
What Are the Minimal Activity Guidelines?
The guidelines recommend that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity per week, in bouts of 10 minutes or more. That breaks down to just over 20 minutes a day. They also encourage adding strength training at least twice per week to maintain muscle and bone health.
On paper, it doesn’t seem like much. But for many people, even this “baseline” can feel out of reach—and that’s exactly why these guidelines exist: they represent the minimum needed to keep your body functioning well and reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension.
Why They’re Important
Think of these guidelines as the “entry ticket” to better health. Meeting them lowers your risk of chronic disease, improves energy, helps manage stress, and keeps your body moving the way it should as you age. They aren’t about becoming an athlete or running marathons—they’re about giving your body the bare minimum movement it needs to thrive.
Minimal = Just the Starting Point
Here’s the exciting part: the guidelines are not the finish line. They’re the starting line. Research shows that going beyond the minimum brings even greater benefits—more strength, more endurance, more confidence, and faster progress toward your personal goals.
In other words, 150 minutes a week is the floor, not the ceiling.
How to Get Started
If you’re not currently exercising, this is your invitation to begin. You don’t need to figure it all out on your own—that’s where a Kinesiologist at Longevity Nexum can help. Together, we’ll create a plan that meets you where you are, whether that’s building strength, improving stamina, or reducing the risk of falls. Our goal is to help you not just meet the guidelines, but build a routine that supports your health long-term!
The First Step
The hardest part of any fitness journey is starting. But every step, no matter how small, moves you closer to a healthier, stronger version of yourself. Meeting the minimal activity guidelines is one of the best investments you can make in your future—and with the right support, you can do it.
You have the power to rewrite your story of health, and we’re here to help you start today!
Click here to book your free 15 minute consultation with our team.
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