Most Americans do no get recommended amounts of both aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises, which cause major health problems, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The most recent government analysis shows that only one in every five Americans get the recommended amount of exercise, which accounts for overall 20 percent of the population. Physical exercise is the key element to maintain good health. But the CDC annual report shows that most Americans are not involved in any kind of physical exercise, neither aerobics nor muscle-strengthening activities.
Just 29.3 percent of American adult population is involved in muscle-strengthening activities reached the recommended target, while the aerobics exercise accounted for 51.6 percent.
"While only about 30 percent of adults meet the muscle-strengthening guidelines, we find it very encouraging that half of U.S. adults are meeting the aerobic guidelines," said report author Carmen Harris, a CDC epidemiologist.
The inactivity rate widely varied from state to state. In Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Tennessee, inactivity was at least 29.2 percent in more than 70 percent of counties. As a result, these states have the highest amount of health problems such as diabetes and obesity. However the Northeast, the West Coast, Colorado and Minnesota were found to have residents with more physical activities.
Dr. Antronette Yancey, a professor at UCLA, said that reason for the variations in different states is social norm, according to ABC News report.
"There's evidence to suggest that if people see people outside walking, then that makes them more likely to walk," she said. "If people feel that physical activity is the norm in their peer group, then they're more likely to be physically active."
According to Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, an adult is advised to get a minimum of two and a half hours weekly of moderate physical activity such as walking or an hour and a half weekly vigorous activity such as jogging. The guidelines further suggest two to three times a week of muscle strengthening exercise.
"Exercise is essential for the aging population to maintain their independence and quality of life," exercise physiologist Samantha Heller said, according to US News. "The results of this report indicate that certain states and populations need to be targeted with programs that encourage regular physical activity while taking into account their cultural and economic needs. Local YMCAs, senior centers and other organizations often offer low-cost or free fitness classes."
A recent national survey revealed that 34 percent of Americans are obese and another 34 percent are overweight. Obesity does not just attract health problems but also is heavy on pockets. An average obese individual spends 40 percent more on heath care annually than a normal weight individual.
Yancey suggests every individual must consider more physical activity, starting from taking a walk to the bus stop or even taking stairs in office.
"There really is no lower limit," she said. "Every step counts. Every calorie burned is one that doesn't end up around your waist."
The report was published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, a CDC publication Friday.
