Exercise and Physical Activity: Same or Different?
Getting straight to the point on this one. Exercise and Physical Activity are NOT the same thing and they don’t lead to the same results. Physical Activity is a general term referring to all types of movement. If someone told you they live an “active lifestyle” what would it include? I imaging someone who hikes on the weekend, takes family bike rides, goes skiing in the winter, swims in the summer and just moves their body in many ways WITHOUT a specific goal. A physically active person may also play basketball at lunch with coworkers, enjoy gardening and clean their home (while they may not enjoy this one). My point is simple, physical activity is the base of activity in which we live. The guideline of “being physically activity every day” encompasses all of these varying ways we can move our body.
he benefits of physical activity include:
1. Improved mood
2. Better sleep
3. Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers
4. Stronger bones and muscles
5. More likely to live longer with a higher quality of life
Our bodies were made to move. We have replaced much of the movement in our lives with sitting. We sit in the car as we drive to work, we sit at work, we come home and sit to watch tv or on a computer. So much sitting! If you haven’t heard it yet, Sitting is being referred the as the next smoking. And just like quitting smoking, becoming physically activity can quickly reduce many of the risks created by physical inactivity.
What are some ways you can move more? Where are times in your day you can add some movement? Who can you move with?
Now, Exercise is a subcategory of physical activity. Exercise is specific with a desired goal. Reasons to exercise may include weight loss, stronger muscles, more flexibility, change in body composition, improved athletic performance.
Traditionally, exercise includes:
1. Strength and muscle endurance training – lifting weights
2. Cardiovascular training – walking, running, biking
3. Flexibility training – stretching, yoga
4. Balance – tai chi, unilateral movements
5. Sport-specific categories training may focus on are agility, speed, and power.
There are many training modalities out there and many cross over into various categories – which is a great thing as we all try to squeeze in exercise into busy lives. But don’t confuse physical activity with exercise. Including both physical activity AND exercise in our lifestyle will lead to long and healthy lives.
I remember someone telling me, “I do crossfit, I burn 900 calories in one workout. I don’t need to be active the rest of the day.” This couldn’t be more false. One hour of “exercise” a day does not make up for sitting for the majority of the day. Not even thinking about calories, think about the additional improvements in our heart, lungs, muscles, bones, and importantly – mind we are missing out on by NOT moving!
So, if we are not doing ANY physical activity, where do we start? Do I suggest hopping into something like Orangetheory 4 times a week. ABSOLUTELY NOT! Start by just being active.
Move more today than you did yesterday. Take a walk or put on a song and dance. Start with basics and once you have established some movement in your lifestyle, then start to dial into exercise and specific goals. This comes down to lifestyle habits and if you do not currently have active lifestyle habits, paying for a gym membership isn’t going to create them. If your body isn’t accustomed to a basic level of activity, diving into intense exercise is more likely to lead you to injury.
Stay safe, stay smart, and just move!