WHO defines physical activity as any body movement produced by the muscles that requires energy expenditure - this includes the movements performed while working, playing, performing household chores, moving, and during activities. Hobbies.
The term "physical activity" should not be confused with the term "exercise", which is a subcategory of more deliberate, structured, repetitive physical activity that aims to enhance or maintain a physical activity. or several aspects of fitness. Whether the level of intensity is moderate or stronger, physical activity has health benefits.
Beyond exercise, any other physical activity, whether for recreation, to move from one place to another, or as part of the professional activity, has beneficial effects on health. In addition, an additional activity of moderate or vigorous intensity can improve health.
The intensity of different forms of physical activity varies from person to person. To be beneficial from a cardiorespiratory endurance point of view, all activity must be done in increments of at least 10 minutes.
The benefits of physical activity and the risks of not exercising
Regular physical activity of moderate intensity such as walking, cycling or playing a sport is good for your health. At any age, the benefits of exercise outweigh the potential risks, such as accidents. Any physical activity is better than the total absence of exercise. One can easily reach the recommended activity levels by increasing one's level of activity throughout the day.
Sufficient regular physical activity:
improves musculature and cardiorespiratory performance, improves bone health and functional abilities, reduces the risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancers (including breast and colon) and depression reduces the risk of falling as well as fracture of the femoral neck or vertebral fracture; and is fundamental for energy balance and weight control.
Lack of physical activity is one of the top 10 risk factors for global mortality and is progressing in many countries, increasing the burden of noncommunicable diseases and affecting overall health globally. People with poor physical activity have a risk of death increased by 20% to 30% compared to those who are sufficiently active.
The four types of physical and sports activities. Cardio-respiratory, muscular, relaxation and balance: the physical and sports activities are divided into four categories, depending on the physiological functions they seek.