Tamara Rial-Faigenbaum, Ph.D., specialist professor in the Department of Health and Physical Education and coordinator of the Human Performance Lab at Monmouth University, has co-authored a new article, “From Hierarchy to Harmony: Transforming the Activity Pyramid into My Physical Activity Plate,” published in the Current Sports Medicine Reports journal.

Rial-Faigenbaum challenges the long-standing Physical Activity Pyramid model and introduces a more inclusive, adaptable, and user-centered concept—the Physical Activity Plate. Inspired by the success of the MyPlate nutrition model, the framework promotes flexibility, equity, personalized choice, and behavior strategies to support physical activity adherence across the lifespan. The model reflects the latest scientific evidence, emphasizing the importance of strength, aerobic, and mobility activities as key behavioral strategies to help individuals move more and sit less.
According to Rial-Faigenbaum, unlike the linear, hierarchical, and prescriptive structure of the traditional activity pyramid, the new My Physical Activity Plate offers a dynamic and harmonious approach that allows individuals to personalize their physical activity choices to best suit their preferences, needs, and life stages.
“This publication is part of our ongoing effort to update physical activity guidelines and address troubling trends in inactivity and sedentary behavior,” said Rial-Faigenbaum. “It’s time to rethink the physical activity pyramid and empower individuals with a more personalized, science-based model—one that supports behavior change and sustained engagement.”
This article is the result of a collaborative, interdisciplinary effort by a diverse team of experts in sports medicine, exercise science, and youth physical activity. Co-authors include Dr. Andrea Stracciolini of Harvard University, Dr. Jim MacDonald of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and Avery Faigenbaum, Ed.D., of The College of New Jersey.