Question 1

What isn’t considered exercise?

Accepted Answer

Activities that don’t require significant energy expenditure or have a structured purpose to improve fitness are not considered exercise. Examples include light household chores, leisurely walking, and sedentary activities such as watching TV or playing video games.

Question 2

Is being active the same as exercising?

Accepted Answer

Being active refers to any movement of the body, while exercise is a more structured form of physical activity with specific goals in mind.

Whether the two are the same depends on what exactly you’re doing and the intensity at which you’re doing it. For example, playing a game of basketball with friends can be both physically active and exercise if it’s done at a moderate to high-intensity level.

Here are a few more examples:

Physical activity, not exercise: taking a leisurely walk around the neighborhood with no specific goal in mind.
Exercise, not physical activity: performing a structured weightlifting routine at the gym with the purpose of increasing muscle strength.
Both physical activity and exercise: participating in a fitness class that combines aerobic movements with muscle-strengthening exercises.

Question 3

Does going to the gym count as exercise?

Accepted Answer

Going to the gym can count as exercise, but it depends on what you do while you’re there. Simply being at the gym doesn’t automatically mean you’re exercising. It’s important to have a structured workout plan and engage in activities that elevate your heart rate and challenge your muscles in order to qualify as exercise.

However, even if you don’t have a specific workout planned, just being at the gym and moving your body can count as physical activity.

Check out our Should I Workout on an Empty Stomach article for more insight on exercising at the gym.

Question 4

Can you be too physically active?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it’s possible to be too physically active. This may involve constantly pushing your body beyond its limits without proper rest and recovery, which can lead to burnout or injury.

For example, someone who runs marathons every day without giving their body time to rest and repair could be considered to be too physically active.

A more relatable scenario is someone who is always on the go, constantly running errands, and never taking breaks to rest. It’s important to listen to your body and balance physical activity with rest for optimal health.

Signs that you may be too physically active include:

Feeling fatigued or exhausted all the time
Constantly feeling sore and achy
Difficulty sleeping
Increased irritability or mood swings
Persistent injuries or lack of progress in fitness goals
Feeling anxious or guilty when not engaging in physical activity

If you experience any of these symptoms, it may be helpful to reassess your level of physical activity and incorporate more rest and recovery into your routine.

Question 5

Does walking count as being physically active?

Accepted Answer

Walking counts as being physically active, but the intensity and duration of your walk will determine the extent to which it contributes to your overall physical activity level.

Walking at a moderate pace for 30 minutes or more can be considered aerobic physical activity, while leisurely strolls may not contribute much towards meeting recommended physical activity guidelines. However, any movement is better than no movement, so even a short walk can have some health benefits.

Question 6

Is physical work as good as exercise?

Accepted Answer

Physical work can provide some of the same benefits as exercise, such as increased muscle strength and cardiovascular health. However, it may not be enough to fulfill all the requirements for optimal physical fitness as it’s generally done in short bursts without a specific purpose of improving fitness.

In addition, some physical work may not involve a variety of movements that target different muscle groups, which is important for overall health. However, incorporating physical work into your daily routine can still contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

Check out this article: Yoga After Eating.

Fitness