It seems like Americans are lifting more cheeseburgers than weights. According to a new report published in the May 3 issue of the CDC's publication, the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, only 20 percent of US adults are getting the recommended amounts of both muscle strengthening and aerobic exercise.

The report found that 51.6 percent of adults were getting the recommended aerobic exercise but only a staggering 29.3 percent were getting the right amount of muscle-strengthening exercise, AOL's HealthDay News reported.

Experts felt the news was mostly good though.

"While only about 30 percent of adults meet the muscle-strengthening guidelines, we find it very encouraging that half of US adults are meeting the aerobic guidelines," Carmen Harris, CDC epidemiologist and writer of the report, said.

The rates of exercise ion this study varied by state too, ranging from 13 percent in Tennessee and West Virginia to 27 percent in Colorado, with the largest amount of adults meeting the guidelines in the west (24 percent) and in the Northeast (21 percent).

"It's great that more people are participating in regular exercise," exercise physiologist Samantha Heller told HealthDay News. "Exercise not only helps with weight management, it helps reduce anxiety and depression, boosts energy, immunity and brain power, and significantly lowers the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease."

With women, Hispanics, and older or obese adults less likely to meet the guidelines, CDC officials were most concerned with how they can become motivated to exercise more.

"Exercise is essential for the aging population to maintain their independence and quality of life," Heller said. ""The results of this report indicate that certain states and populations need to be targeted with programs that encourage regular physical activity while taking into account their cultural and economic needs. Local YMCAs, senior centers and other organizations often offer low-cost or free fitness classes. "

She also added that simple things people can do around the house include "taking a walk every evening after dinne, getting up and marching in place at every TV commercial, and limiting TV and computer time."