By Amanda Lorbiecki, Personal Trainer

Exercise and physical activity both can contribute to our well being. First, we have to understand that there is a difference between the two. 

“Physical activity” is defined as any body movement that contracts your muscles to burn more calories than what your body would normally burn at rest. Examples of physical activity include; gardening, cutting the grass, dancing, playing a sport for fun, etc. It’s important to add physical activity every day, especially if you have a sedentary lifestyle. For instance, if you have a desk job, make time to stand, or on your lunch break, take a nice walk. Just little things like that can improve your physical activity! 

On the other hand, “exercise” is defined as structured, planned, and repetitive movements that are intended to improve and/or maintain physical fitness. Research shows that all physical activities make a huge impact on your health and well being. Exercise consists of five components which include: cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength fitness, muscular endurance fitness, flexibility fitness, and body composition. In simple terms, making time to go to the gym after work or in the morning, or making time go take a group exercise class is an example of exercise. 

Exercise and physical activity are two different concepts and often get used interchangeably; it’s important to know the difference, especially when you start to make a goal for yourself. Of course, both exercise and physical activity are important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, so let’s start moving! 

Fitness Professional, Amanda Lorbiecki 

Interested in learning more? Contact Amanda or one of our other great Personal Trainers to figure out how to get more physical activity and/or exercise into your lifestyle.

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