Most people know that being physically active is important to improve overall health and fitness, but it can make your daily life better. Here are some benefits of getting more active that will help you start feeling better right away:
- Boost your mood
- Sharpen your focus
- Reduce your stress
- Improve your sleep
What is Physical Activity?
Terms such as physical activity, exercise, and physical fitness have often been used interchangeably, but is there a difference? Yes! Check out these definitions from the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans:
- Physical activity refers to any bodily movement produced by the contraction of skeletal muscle that increases energy expenditure above a basal level.
- Exercise is a form of physical activity that is planned, structured, repetitive, and performed with the goal of improving health or fitness. All exercise is physical activity, but not all physical activity is exercise.
- Physical fitness (also known as fitness) is the ability to carry out daily tasks with vigor and alertness, without undue fatigue, and with ample energy to enjoy leisure-time pursuits and respond to emergencies. Physical fitness includes several components: cardiorespiratory fitness (endurance or aerobic power), musculoskeletal fitness, flexibility, balance, and speed of movement.
How Much Physical Activity Do You Need?
Workout at Home
Each workout has suggested equipment and easy-to-use instructions for completing an exercise or two, or an entire workout. If you are not regularly active, it is recommended to consult with a physician before starting physical activity.
Source:
- Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans - 2nd Edition, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- Move Your Way®, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- Physical Activity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention