Mode of Aerobic Activity (Large-Muscle, Continuous, Rhythmic)
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An appropriate cardiorespiratory modality is any activity that uses the large muscle groups, can be maintained continuously, and is rhythmical and aerobic — with walking, jogging, stair climbing, and cycling recommended at the start of a program.
Detail
An appropriate modality for developing cardiorespiratory fitness is any activity that uses the large muscle groups, that can be maintained continuously, and that is rhythmical and aerobic in nature.
Examples named in the source (Peterson & Bryant, 1995): running, jogging, walking, machine-based stair climbing, swimming, skating, bicycling, rowing, cross-country skiing, and various endurance game activities.
The expanded list in the ACSM 1998 table: walking-hiking, running-jogging, cycling-bicycling, cross-country skiing, aerobic dance and other forms of group exercise, rope skipping, rowing, stair climbing, swimming, skating, and endurance game activities.
The current ACSM position stand (Garber et al., 2011) keeps the same criteria: regular, purposeful exercise that involves the major muscle groups and is continuous and rhythmic in nature.
At the beginning of an exercise program, activities such as walking, jogging, machine-based stair climbing, and cycling are most recommended.
Key facts
- Three criteria: large muscle groups, continuous, rhythmical and aerobic — unchanged in the current ACSM 2011 stand.
- Examples: running, jogging, walking, machine-based stair climbing, swimming, skating, bicycling, rowing, cross-country skiing, aerobic dance / group exercise, rope skipping, hiking, endurance games.
- Beginner-recommended modes: walking, jogging, machine-based stair climbing, cycling.
Connections
- Cardiorespiratory Conditioning Guidelines (Peterson & Bryant / ACSM) — the parent five-part prescription (mode is item 4).
- ACSM Exercise Recommendations for Healthy Adults (1998) — the expanded ACSM 1998 modality list.
- Rate of Progression and the Training Effect — how to advance once a mode is established.
Sources
- Position standPollock ML et al. ACSM Position Stand: The recommended quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, and flexibility in healthy adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1998;30(6):975–991 (superseded by Garber et al. 2011) Published 1998 · DOI 10.1097/00005768-199806000-00032 · Accessed 2026-10-13
- Position standGarber CE et al. American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neuromotor fitness in apparently healthy adults: guidance for prescribing exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2011;43(7):1334–1359 Published 2011 · DOI 10.1249/MSS.0b013e318213fefb · Accessed 2026-10-13
Corrections (1)
- 2026-10-13 — Reconciled: the three criteria (major muscle groups, continuous, rhythmic) are unchanged in the current ACSM 2011 position stand (Garber et al.), which recommends regular, purposeful exercise that involves major muscle groups and is continuous and rhythmic. The 1998 modality list was checked against the 1998 stand's full text. Both stands now cited as dated sources.
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