Table 2.

Strategies and talking points for physical fitness counseling in primary care.

Assess physical activity at each visit (including type of activity, frequency, intensity, duration)

Link physical fitness with reduced risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, many cancers, depression/anxiety, premature mortality

Address both aerobic activity and muscle strengthening, which together can be as important as weight loss

WHO physical activity guidelines for adults • Aerobic activity: ≥150 minutes of moderate activity per week (e.g., 30 min/day of brisk walking, slow biking) or ≥75 minutes of vigorous activity per week (e.g., 15 min/day of jogging/running, fast bicycling, swimming laps) • Muscle strengthening: ≥2 times per week (does not require equipment, but instead may include push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, etc.)

WHO physical activity guidelines for children and youth • Aerobic activity: ≥60 min of moderate or vigorous activity per day • Muscle strengthening: ≥3 times per week (e.g., monkey bars, pull-ups, etc.)

Prescribe an agreed-upon physical activity tailored to patient’s interests, gradually working up to the recommended levels above

Encourage record-keeping and provide encouragement or recognize success at each visit