All about the Paleo Rhythm

By the time our ancestors saw the end of the Pleistocene era about 11,700 years ago, they’d embraced what some researchers call the Paleo Rhythm of life — one that combined intense bouts of activity lasting a few days, followed by a more restful couple of days in which it would be usual to walk six or more miles to socialize.

That Paleo Rhythm, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in its review of the history of physical activity, comes close to the current recommendations for physical activity.

New Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans

If you want to get some Paleo Rhythm in your life, check out the new Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans put out by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

Preschool-age children (3-5) should be active all day long, and caregivers should encourage active play.

Children and adolescents up to age 17 should do 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily — mostly aerobics, and make it vigorous at least three times a week. Musclestrengthening exercises as well as bone-strengthening exercises should be part of that 60 minutes at least three times a week.

Adults of all ages should move more and sit less. Substantial benefits come from a minimum of 150 to 300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobics, or 75 to 150 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobics, or a combo. More is better!

Older adults should aim for the above, plus add balance-training activities.

During pregnancy and postpartum women should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week. If you were physically active before becoming pregnant, chances are you can continue these activities during pregnancy and the postpartum period. But consult your health care provider before you get started.