Posted Wednesday, October 8, 2008 --- 11:40 a.m.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The best way to get in shape is to get moving.

The Department of Health and Human Services says most adults need at least 2-and-a-half hours of moderate exercise a week. Children and teens need about an hour of it each day. Moderate exercise is described as brisk walks, raking leaves or even a neighborhood softball game.

The department says those who are into more vigorous exercise such as jogging or swimming need to do it at least 75 minutes a week.

Rear Admiral Penelope Royall, the deputy assistant secretary for disease prevention, says someone who is a "total couch potato" can get started with a 10 minute walk each day. She says the key, though is to work toward hitting the weekly minimum.

More than 60 million adults in this country are considered obese. What's worse is that about a third of all children are overweight and 16 percent are obese.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.