Physical activity has been defined as any physical motion that requires muscular energy expenditure that doesn’t require the application of strength. Physical activity encompasses any activity, at any level, carried out during any period of time or day. It also includes light-hearted activity and incidental physical activity integrated into everyday activity. It is usually associated with work such as walking, running, gardening, hunting, fishing, riding a bicycle, playing sports, or working at a job. Some types of physical activity are also carried out by some people.
There are several types of physical activity. Aerobic activity is considered the most popular type of physical activity carried out by most people, since it is an action that uses large muscle groups. Aerobic activity also uses the most muscle strength in any given activity and therefore is considered one of the best ways to lose weight. Resistance training is another popular form of aerobic activity used to increase muscle size and tone. Some of the other types of physical activity include weightlifting (for building muscle strength), stretching, swimming, biking, hiking, mountain climbing, tennis, and rowing.
The benefits of physical activity are many. It is known that regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and promotes health and well-being. The most popular aerobic activity is running, used for about 90 minutes a day on average. Many types of exercise are carried out for toning and strengthening muscles, improving cardiovascular health, increasing bone density, decreasing body fat, and decreasing risk for illness and disease. Jumping jacks are a great all-around exercise tool that can be used in the privacy of your own home to tone and strengthen almost every major muscle group in your body.
