Table 3.

National PA recommendations for adults (18–64 years) in comparison with WHO recommendations

Country	Minimum duration, intensity and frequency of PA		Additional aspects		Reducing sitting/inactivity
	Same as WHO	Differences to WHO	Same as WHO	Differences to WHO
WHO	At least 150 min of moderate-intensity aerobic PA throughout the week, or 75 min of vigorous-intensity aerobic PA, or an equivalent combination of both. Bouts should be at least 10 min each. For additional health benefits, increase moderate PA to 300 min per week, or engage in 150 min of vigorous PA/an equivalent combination of both.		Muscle-strengthening activities should be done involving major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week.
Austria	√		√
Belgium (Flanders)		At least 150 min of moderate-intensity PA per week, spread over 5 days and preferably all days of the week, at least 30 min per day. Alternatively, 75 min of vigorous-intensity PA, best spread over, eg, 3 days in bouts of 25 min. Inactive adults over the age of 45 should consult a general practitioner before starting vigorous-intensity PA.	√		√
Belgium (Wallonia)		At least 30 min/day
Croatia		At least 30 min/day of moderate intensity PA		n/s
Denmark		PA for at least 30 min per day. The activity should be of moderate to high intensity and extend beyond the usual short-term daily activities. If the 30 min are divided, each activity should last at least 10 min.	√	High-intensity training should last at least 20 min. Incorporate activities that increase bone strength and flexibility.
Estonia	√		√		√
Finland	√		√		√
France		At least 30 min/day at least 5 days per week, moderate to vigorous intensity. Vigorous-intensity PA is recommended in short bouts (5–10 min) repeated throughout the day (3–4 times).		Strength training is recommended 1–2 times a week, with 1–2 days to recover between sessions. Stretching at least 2–3 times a week.	√
Germany	√		√		√
Greece		At least 30 min/day		n/s	√
Ireland	√		√
Italy	√			n/s
Latvia	√		√
Lithuania		At least 30 min of moderate-intensity PA every day in bouts of at least 10 min. As an alternative, no less than 15 min of high-intensity PA daily, or an appropriate combination of moderate-intensity and high-intensity PA.	√
Luxembourg	√		√
Malta		At least 30 min of moderate-intensity PA 5 days per week; or 20 min of vigorous-intensity PA 3 days per week; or an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous-intensity PA.	√
The Netherlands	√	Minimum bouts of PA can be less than 10 min	√		√
Slovakia	√			n/s
Slovenia	√		√		√
Spain	√		√		√
Sweden	√		√		√
UK	√		√		√

n/s, not specified; PA, physical activity.