ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a general framework and overall guidance to help clinicians increase counseling and recommendations for increased physical activity for every patient. Despite the well-documented benefits of physical activity, sadly the medical community has not been as active as it should have been in the promotion and prescription of regular physical activity. In addition to aerobic fitness, a variety of other fitness measures may be appropriate including muscular strength and endurance and body composition. Multiple educational resources now exist to provide physicians and other health-care workers with evidence-based information concerning various aspects of physical activity. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) provides abundant tools for practicing physicians and their patients regarding physical activity. The vast majority of individuals who wish to increase the amount of physical activity in their lives may do so without a formal evaluation. This is the position that is also supported by the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans 2018 Scientific Report and ACSM.
