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Physical activity

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Exercise can lower blood pressure
Exercise can lower blood pressure
Aerobic exercise
Aerobic exercise
Benefit of regular exercise
Benefit of regular exercise
Flexibility exercise
Flexibility exercise
Isometric exercise
Isometric exercise
Exercise and age
Exercise and age
Exercise with friends
Exercise with friends
Exercise - a powerful tool
Exercise - a powerful tool
Preventative medicine
Preventative medicine
Exercise and heart rate
Exercise and heart rate

Alternative Names    Return to top

Fitness recommendations; Exercise

Definition    Return to top

Physical activity is any activity that causes your body to work harder than normal. It describes activities that are beyond your daily routine of sitting, standing, and walking up stairs. Everyone can benefit from increased physical activity.

Information    Return to top

Physical activity can help you:

RECOMMENDATIONS

Physical activity is divided into two types of activities for adults: aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening activity.

Aerobic activity can be of moderate or vigorous intensity. It is important to start with aerobic activities that are less intense at first, and work up to more vigorous activity.

While performing moderate activities (such as brisk walking), you should be able to talk but not sing. Vigorous activity requires taking a breath every few words.

You can also monitor the intensity of exercise by using your heart rate. The target heart rate during physical activity should be 60% - 90% of the maximum heart rate.

To calculate your target heart rate, use the following formula:

  1. 220 (beats per minute) minus age = maximum heart rate.
  2. Maximum heart rate multiplied by the intensity level = target heart rate.

For example, a 50-year-old woman exercising at 60% maximum would use the following calculation:

  1. 220 - 50 = 170 (maximum heart rate)
  2. 170 X 60% = 102 (target heart rate)

This is her target heart rate, regardless of the type of physical activity she elects to do.

Physical activity at 60 to 70% of the maximum heart rate is considered moderate intensity exercise. You can moderately exercise safely for a long period of time. It is best to start an exercise program with moderate intensity exercise.

The other type of physical activity is muscle strengthening exercise. Muscle strengthening can be done with a weight program, heavy gardening, or push-ups and calisthenics.

The amount of physical activity is very important to achieve health benefits. Any increase in activity is better than less activity.

The recommended amount of time spent doing aerobic activity is:

Muscle strengthening is recommended twice a week.

Try to do some form of physical activity at least three times a week. Increasing to four or five times a week is even more helpful. Spread out the physical activity through the week, rather than doing it on three or four consecutive days to reduce the risk of injuries.

People who have chronic medical conditions, are older, are pregnant, or have been very inactive may need to start with less activity and increase more slowly. Increasing both aerobic and muscle strengthening physical activity has benefits, even if you cannot reach your goals.

BENEFITS

Physical activity contributes to health by:

Physical activity also helps the body use calories better, which helps with weight loss and maintenance. It can increase basal metabolic rate, and reduce appetite and body fat.

SIDE EFFECTS

Physical activity should be done at a rate that is right for you. When you increase activity gradually in both intensity and time you are unlikely to have any side effects.

An evaluation by an exercise physiologist is helpful in order to to avoid injuries. Injuries can occur if you start physical activity too quickly, with too much intensity, or for too long.

References    Return to top

US Preventive Services Task Force. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans: Recommendation statement. 2008. Accessed March 1, 2009.

Update Date: 3/1/2009

Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathyphysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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