title: Physical activity patterns associated with cardiorespiratory fitness and reduced mortality: the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examined cross sectionally the physical activity patterns associated with low, moderate, and high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness.
  
  
  METHODS
  Physical activity was assessed by questionnaire in a clinic population of 13,444 men and 3972 women 20 to 87 years of age. Estimated energy expenditure (kcal.wk-1) and volume (min.wk-1) of reported activities were calculated among individuals at low, moderate, and high fitness levels (assessed by maximal exercise tests).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Average leisure time energy expenditures of 525 to 1650 kcal.wk-1 for men and 420 to 1260 kcal.wk-1 for women were associated with moderate to high levels of fitness. These levels of energy expenditure can be achieved with a brisk walk of approximately 30 minutes on most days of the week. In fact, men in the moderate and high fitness categories walked between 130 and 138 min.wk-1, and women in these categories walked between 148 and 167 min.wk-1.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most individuals should be able to achieve these physical activity goals and thus attain a cardiorespiratory fitness level sufficient to result in substantial health benefits.
authors.affiliation: John B. Pierce Laboratory, New Haven, CT 06519, USA.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Stofan
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: DiPietro
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: H W
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Kohl
authors.forename: S N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Blair
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009026:Mortality; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D012143:Respiratory Physiological Phenomena; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors