What is physical activity?
Physical activity is any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that results in an expenditure of energy. For example walking, climbing stairs, dancing, kicking the ball around the park with the family and the dog.
What is exercise?
Exercise is physical activity that is planned or structured and usually involves repetitive bodily movement. For example: aerobic classes, soccer, netball.
What is fitness?
Fitness is defined as "a set of attributes that people have or achieve that relates to the ability to perform physical activity" (USDHHS, 1996). Being fit is not just about being able to perform well in one particular activity (eg running) but also includes the following:
- Cardiorespiratory endurance
- Muscular strength
- Muscular endurance
- Body composition
- Flexibility
What is sufficient physical activity for health benefits?
Sufficient physical activity for health benefits is calculated as the accumulation of at least 150 minutes of activity over at least 5 sessions of activity over 1 week. Time spent on vigorous activity is multiplied by two and added to time spent on moderate activity to determine total activity time. [Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The Active Australia Survey: a guide and manual for implementation, analysis and reporting. 2003. Canberra, AIHW]
What is moderate activity?
Moderate activity is defined as activity that increases the heart rate, such as brisk walking, but does not make a person 'huff and puff'. When doing moderate activity, people can continue to talk but not sing.
What is vigorous activity?
Vigorous activity refers to a level of effort that results in a significant increase in heart and breathing rate. For example jogging, high-impact aerobic, or cycling uphill.
Note: it is important to be aware that the same activity can be performed at different levels of intensity. For example, cycling slowly is a moderate activity, whereas cycling over 20 kmph or uphill is considered vigorous. Click here for more information on different activities and their intensity levels.
What is weight-bearing activity?
Weight bearing activity is activity where people have to support their own weight or lift weights, such as walking, running or dancing.