Physical Activity: Benefits and Guidelines

Definition of Physical Activity

Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement that results in energy expenditure. According to this definition, walking, gardening, or household chores would be considered physical activity. Physical exercise enhances or maintains physical fitness and health.

Final answer:

According to the definition of physical activity, anything that involves bodily movement resulting in energy expenditure, such as walking, gardening, or household chores, would be considered physical activity. Physical exercise enhances or maintains physical fitness and health.

Explanation:

Physical exercise includes a range of activities that go beyond what we might typically think of as working out in a gym. It can include daily tasks that may not necessarily be done for the explicit purpose of improving fitness but nonetheless contribute to one's health. An example of this could be energetic play with children or pets, which can promote cardiovascular and muscular fitness. The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines suggest that adults engage in at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or a combination of both. Examples of moderate-intensity exercise include brisk walking and swimming, where you can talk but not sing during the activity. On the other hand, vigorous-intensity activities, where speech is limited to a few words at a time, might include running or aerobics classes.

Moreover, the guidelines also recommend muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week. This includes exercises such as push-ups, sit-ups, and weightlifting. Increased physical activity is not only beneficial for reducing the risk of diseases like heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer, but it also contributes to energy homeostasis, balancing the energy consumed with the energy expended.