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ACLM defines this pillar as engaging in regular and consistent physical activity, including aerobic and resistance training, flexibility exercises, and balance or functional movements, while minimizing sedentary behavior.
In lifestyle medicine, physical activity includes both regular movement throughout the day as well as structured, tailored exercise interventions that treat and prevent chronic conditions, improve function and support longevity.
Lifestyle medicine clinicians assess movement patterns and tailor recommendations based on an individual’s current health status, risks, abilities, preferences, and goals. This helps ensure physical activity is safe, effective, and sustainable.
Physical activity does not exist in isolation. Movement directly interacts with other lifestyle medicine pillars—including sleep, stress management, nutrition, social connection, and avoidance of risky substances—to create compounding benefits for physical and mental health.
Learn About All Six Pillars
Physical activity plays a critical role in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases by addressing the underlying root causes. Both regular movement and structured activity help counter the effects of sedentary living, supports cardiometabolic, musculoskeletal, and mental health, and preserves physical function across the lifespan. When practiced consistently and adapted to individual needs, physical activity becomes a powerful tool for maintaining independence, resilience, and quality of life.
Modern life often involves prolonged sitting at work, during transportation, and at home. Sedentary behavior is an independent risk factor for chronic disease. Consistent physical activity helps counteract the physiologic effects of prolonged sitting by improving circulation, metabolic health, and musculoskeletal function—even when activity is accumulated in short bouts throughout the day.
Regular movement and structured exercise can help support multiple aspects of chronic disease prevention and treatment. Evidence shows that movement can:
Physical activity plays a critical role in healthy aging. Strength, balance, and mobility training help maintain independence, reduce fall risk, and preserve functional capacity at every age. It supports not only longevity, but the ability to live well, remain engaged, and maintain quality of life over time.
1 HR CME/CE/MOC
30 HR CME/CE/MOC
7.5 HR CE/MOC
Physical inactivity has created a public health crisis with far-reaching implications for physical and mental health, including national security. Being more physically active is imperative to creating a more resilient future for generations to come.