Being physically active means doing any kind of activity that gets your body moving.
The types of physical activity that can help you get fit and stay healthy include:
- Aerobic or "cardio" activities. These make your heart beat faster and make you breathe harder, such as brisk walking, riding a bike, or running. They strengthen your heart and lungs and build up your endurance.
- Strength training activities. These make your muscles work against, or "resist," something. Examples include lifting weights or doing push-ups. These activities help tone and strengthen your muscles and bones.
- Stretches. These let you move your joints and muscles through their full range of motion. Stretching helps you be more flexible.
Reaching a balance between these three types of physical activity is important because each one contributes to your overall fitness.
Current as of: October 24, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.