Actividad física en adultos. Consideraciones para su prescripción e implementación adecuada

Physical inactivity is the fourth mortality risk factor, attributed to 6% of global deaths. Although its prevalence is estimated at 27.5%, it only estimates one type of physical activity, cardiorespiratory or aerobic, but if both aerobic and muscular strength activities are considered, the prevalence could be around 80%. This article reviews the conceptual bases of physical activity, perceived barriers, benefi ts and recommendations that support the prescription and implementation of physical activity and exercises for health, in adults who have a range of 18 to 64 years old. It is concluded that the combination of aerobic activities and muscle strength have been associated with greater benefi ts for health and quality of life; it is recommended to determine and solve or minimize, the barriers of physical activity; efforts should be made to increase and maintain physical activity levels (move 150 during the day); decrease sitting time by interspersing with short periods of physical activity; perform exercises, aerobic and strength mainly, that improve general physical fi tness. The doses of the exercises should be progressively increased (volume, intensity and frequency). These indications do not exclude an individual and specialized prescription of a program of physical activity or exercises.