BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Exercise can be as simple as taking a walk, but a recent CDC report says too many Americans aren't even doing that. In fact, 80 percent aren't meeting the CDC's exercise guidelines.
On a nice spring day in Western New York, the area's parks are packed with people getting in their exercise.
"I'm getting a little bit older. 56 years old, so I've got to get it off [the pounds], so I have to walk," said Anthony McDowell, a Buffalo resident.
"I just like to exercise in general. I love to walk," said Carolyn Yelverton, Buffalo resident. "That's my number one exercise."
Buffalo resident Bud Harden was out playing basketball.
"This is just a light warm-up because we're about to take a run around the park a couple times."
The CDC recommends people get 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five times per week.
"As often as I can get out here, and it's usually three or four times a week," said Yelverton.
The guidelines also recommend that people do strength training, like weights, push-ups, or sit-ups, at least twice a week.
"I don't do enough of. I need to get more into that also," said Yelverton.
McDowell said, "I try to get it in, but not often. Not like I should."
"I don't want to just work on one part, and then everything else is lacking. You can't be big up top and then have little legs. It doesn't look right," said Jeff Curry, a Buffalo resident.
"The muscle strengthening actually helps strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis, so that's very important for women," said Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein.
That recent report from the CDC is a huge concern from a public health standpoint, Burstein said.
"Many Americans are obese or at risk of becoming obese. That leads to other health complications like Type 2 Diabetes or increased risk for cardiovascular disease like stroke or high blood pressure. And being overweight puts stress on joints," said Burstein.
Getting in the right amount of exercise isn't just an individual's problem.
"It falls on organizations and the community as a whole to offer activities, convenient and affordable activities for people to get healthy," said Kyle Rogers, Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY corporate relations manager.
That's why many employers are incorporating prevention programs or fitness centers on-site.
"Beyond just the actual health care costs and the value of having exercise incorporated into your culture, you see a lot more of the positive benefits in production, employee awareness and contribution as well," said Rogers.