This page provides data points and curated searches from OMH’s Knowledge Center library catalog related to physical activity in minority and tribal populations in the United States and its territories. The number of catalog records for each topic reflect the search results at the time of this page’s latest update.
Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to maintain and improve our overall health. Being active has both short-term and long-term benefits. Even one session of activity can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and help with thinking and focus. Over time, regular activity supports brain health, helps manage weight, lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol, and reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and severe illness from infections. It can also improve sleep and overall well-being. People who don’t get enough regular physical activity can increase their risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, weight gain, and other health problems.
According to the current Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, children and teens ages 6-17 should get at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every day. Activities like playing sports or participating in recess and physical education classes during school can help them get this daily exercise. Adults and older adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity (or 75 minutes of vigorous activity) each week, include muscle-strengthening activities twice a week, and add balance-focused activities as they age.
American Indian/Alaska Native
In 2023, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) adults were 13% more likely than U.S. adults overall to meet national aerobic and muscle strengthening guidelines. In 2023, AI/AN adolescents were 13% less likely than students nationwide to meet national aerobic and muscle strengthening guidelines. From 2022 to 2023, AI/AN children ages 6 to 13 years were 43% more likely than all U.S. children in that age group to meet national aerobic physical activity guidelines.
For additional data on physical activity and American Indians/Alaska Natives, please visit our Population Profiles.
Asian American
In 2023, Asian American adults were 4% more likely than U.S. adults overall to meet national aerobic and muscle strengthening guidelines. In 2023, Asian American adolescents were 45% less likely than students nationwide to meet national aerobic and muscle strengthening guidelines. From 2022 to 2023, Asian American children ages 6 to 13 years were 36% less likely than all U.S. children in that age group to meet national aerobic physical activity guidelines.
For additional data on physical activity and Asian Americans, please visit our Population Profiles.
Black/African American
In 2023, Black/African American adults were 3% less likely than U.S. adults overall to meet national aerobic and muscle strengthening guidelines. In 2023, Black/African American adolescents were 26% less likely than students nationwide to meet national aerobic and muscle strengthening guidelines. From 2022 to 2023, Black/African American children ages 6 to 13 years were 7% less likely than all U.S. children in that age group to meet national aerobic physical activity guidelines.
For additional data on physical activity and Black/African Americans, please visit our Population Profiles.
Hispanic/Latino
In 2023, Hispanic/Latino adults were 10% less likely than U.S. adults overall to meet national aerobic and muscle strengthening guidelines. In 2023, Hispanic/Latino adolescents were 13% less likely than students nationwide to meet national aerobic and muscle strengthening guidelines. From 2022 to 2023, Hispanic/Latino children ages 6 to 13 years were 19% less likely than all U.S. children in that age group to meet national aerobic physical activity guidelines.
For additional data on physical activity and Hispanics/Latinos, please visit our Population Profiles.
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
In 2023, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NHPI) adults were 23% more likely than U.S. adults overall to meet national aerobic and muscle strengthening guidelines. In 2023, NHPI adolescents were 65% more likely than students nationwide to meet national aerobic and muscle strengthening guidelines. From 2022 to 2023, NHPI children ages 6 to 13 years were 31% more likely than all U.S. children in that age group to meet national aerobic physical activity guidelines.
For additional data on physical activity and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders, please visit our Population Profiles.
Date Last Reviewed: March 2026