On setting standards for physical fitness - just don't let it be pushups

Senator Harkin has introduced legislation that would create Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, in the mold of the 5-year Dietary Guidelines that no one pays any attention to. From Sen. Harkin's Web Site:

Harkin’s legislation, The Physical Activities Guidelines for Americans Act, would direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to prepare and promote physical activity guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence, similar to the federal nutritional guidelines, commonly known as the Food Pyramid, which are updated every five years.

Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), co-sponsored the legislation, and Congressmen Mark Udall (D-CO) and Zach Wamp (R-TN) have introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives.

"Many Americans are unaware of just how much exercise they should be getting," said Senator Harkin. "These guidelines will promote a healthier lifestyle and improve fitness among all age groups. This is a step towards combating the obesity epidemic and the onslaught of chronic disease that is causing our health care costs to skyrocket."

An overwhelming amount of research clearly demonstrates the importance of physical activity in preventing disease and lowering death rates. In fact, approximately 250,000 premature deaths each year can be attributed to lifestyles that lack physical activity. More than half of Americans do not get enough daily exercise to maintain proper health.

TK: Even if we know we are supposed to exercise 90 minutes a day, will we do it? Here is a feature about the push up, "the enduring measure of fitness."

From the story:

Based on national averages, a 40-year-old woman should be able to do 16 push-ups and a man the same age should be able to do 27. By the age of 60, those numbers drop to 17 for men and 6 for women. Those numbers are just slightly less than what is required of Army soldiers who are subjected to regular push-up tests.

If the floor-based push-up is too difficult, start by leaning against a countertop at a 45-degree angle and pressing up and down. Eventually move to stairs and then the floor.

Mr. LaLanne, who once set a world record by doing 1,000 push-ups in 23 minutes, still does push-ups as part of his daily workout. Now he balances his feet and each hand on three chairs.

TK: We can never live up to the gold standard of the 93-year old Jack LaLanne, and we may not measure up to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, either. Must we be faced with the stark reality of our shortcomings in exercise standards? How about "More Matters" in matters of fitness? One more push-up can make a difference, right?