Physical Activity

Physical Activity
Physical activity is any movement that requires your muscles to work and burn calories. Learn more about the definition of physical activity, examples, related terms, and the benefits of being physically active.
Definition
Physical activity refers to any bodily movement that requires energy expenditure, such as walking, swimming, cycling, or jogging. The term encompasses all types of exercise, sports, and other physical activities, from leisurely strolls to vigorous workouts.
Examples
Examples of physical activity include:
- Brisk walking
- Running
- Biking
- Hiking
- Dancing
- Swimming
- Playing sports (e.g. basketball, soccer, tennis)
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for physical activity include exercise, movement, fitness, and workout. Antonyms could be sedentary behavior or inactivity.
Related Terms
Related terms to physical activity include:
- Baseline activity level: the amount of physical activity an individual performs regularly in their daily life.
- Exercise: a structured and planned form of physical activity with specific goals for improvement of fitness.
- Cardiovascular exercise: a type of exercise that increases heart rate and breathing rate, including activities like running and swimming.
- Muscular strength and endurance training: a type of exercise that involves lifting weights or using resistance to build muscle strength and endurance.
Benefits
Physical activity has numerous benefits, including:
- Improving cardiovascular health
- Reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease
- Strengthening bones and muscles
- Boosting mood and mental health
- Improving sleep
- Controlling or maintaining a healthy weight
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Related Terms
Non-Scale Victory
A Non-Scale Victory (NSV) is a term used to describe any achievement during a fitness journey that is not related to weight loss. NSVs are important in measuring progress and can boost motivation. Learn more about this term here.
Flexible Dieting
Flexible dieting is a dietary approach that allows individuals to achieve their fitness goals while allowing for flexibility in their food choices. Learn more about flexible dieting and how it can benefit your health.
Heart Rate
Heart rate refers to the number of times your heart beats per minute. Learn what heart rate means and why it is important in fitness and health.
Protein Synthesis
Protein synthesis is the process by which cells create new proteins. It's an essential process for building muscle, repairing tissue, and maintaining overall health. Learn more about protein synthesis and its importance for fitness and weight loss.
Form
Form in fitness refers to the correct posture or position of the body during an exercise. It is crucial to maintain proper form to avoid injuries and maximize the benefits of the workout.
Workout
Learn about workouts and how they can help you achieve your fitness goals. Discover different types of workouts and their benefits.

Madeleine Smith
Content Lead at MyProgressPics.com
Madeleine is passionate about empowering individuals with the information and tools they need to transform their bodies and lives.