what is physical activity

Posted on January 9, 2014 by john in Fitness tips

Physical activity, exercise and sport

What is physical activity?

Physical activity is any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscle that results in a substantial increase in energy expenditure. It has three components :

Occupational work : all activities undertaken to perform a job.
Housework and other tasks as part of everyday life.
Recreational activities : activities that the individual chooses in his spare time and are usually selected from needs and interests, including exercise and sport.

65% of total energy expenditure depends on physical activity and will be determined by the characteristics of the physical activity, intensity, duration and frequency, and the physical condition of the person - size body, habits and physical condition - modality perform.

What is exercise?

The exercise component all planned and structured according to the time and generally aims to improve and maintain physical fitness activities.

What is sport?

Sports usually defined as physical activity that involves competition and which may comprise a form of exercise or a professional occupation.

What is inactivity?

A sedentary lifestyle is defined as a condition in which body movement and energy expenditure is minimal. A sedentary lifestyle is more than the absence of activity, is also participating in passive behaviors such as watching television, reading, office work, chatting, driving, meditating or eating.

What is an active lifestyle?

An active lifestyle can be defined as a person ‘s participation in physical, cognitive and social activities that require some physical and mental effort in a systematic and planned manner, which means, among other things, limit sedentary activities at a given time ( fewer hours in front of screens ), incorporating physical activity on tasks related to the main occupation ( using the stairs) and allocate a specific time of day for exercise ( a walk ).

What are the benefits of exercise?

Eating and physical activity habits often interact, particularly in the regulation of energy balance and thus helps to achieve a healthy body weight, but in itself Regular exercise provides additional and independent psychosocial benefits that help improve the physical, emotional and mental health.

What impact exercise on physical health?

People with an active lifestyle and fitness metabolize more fat and the practice of moderate intensity exercise increases the ability to use stored body fat, which becomes significant when the exercise habit is maintained throughout the time.

The regular exercise has a positive impact on health, even without implying lose weight, then, by itself, reduce other risk factors such as cholesterol or heart strengthens resistance. That is, an active person decrease risk factors despite being overweight or not.

The frequent physical fitness and regular exercise is important in preventing diseases such as cardiovascular disease component, type 2 diabetes mellitus and back pain among others.

What impact exercise on mental and emotional health?

There is no scientific evidence that a sedentary lifestyle by itself affects the mental and physical health, but it is known that participation in physical activity can reduce the degree of stress, anxiety and depression symptoms, and improve cognitive performance people, as in the case of memory.

What are the effects of exercise on the development of children and adolescents?

The exercise has a positive influence on the intellectual and emotional development of children and adolescents as it helps counteract the daily emotional and muscular tension, which allows developing creativity and have a better handle on the problems ; helps to shape a proper self-esteem and their recreational and sports aspects plays a socializing role.

How long exercise is recommended to maintain good health?

The amount and frequency of physical activity required to obtain a health benefit is relatively modest. The available scientific evidence indicates that 30 minutes of regular and continuous moderate intensity activity at least five times a week is recommended. However, if what is sought is to control or lose weight you may need a higher level of systematic and continuous activity of 60 minutes.