There are many benefits to exercise! First let’s define exercise.

Exercise is…

• planned, structured
• repetitive movements
• using large muscle groups
• done for the purpose of improving or maintaining health and fitness components

Difference between exercise and physical activity

Physical activity is any bodily movement produced by muscles that burns substantially more calories than being in a resting state. Being physically active is important because so much of our daily lives in current times involve being sedentary. If someone is sedentary, it doesn’t mean they are lazy, it means they are not physically active. When we sit for large portions of the day, we can develop many health issues. Our fitness declines and we become deconditioned. Sitting, especially in a state of poor posture, does not expend as many calories as an activity like standing or even slow walking.

Examples of physical activity:

• walking around a store
• gardening
• mowing the lawn with a push-mower
• folding laundry
• sweeping, vacuuming

Any sort of physical activity is better than none. Even small amounts of physical activity can have health benefits.