Exercise is any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health and wellness. It is performed for various reasons, to aid growth and improve strength, prevent ageing, develop muscles and the cardiovascular system, honing athletic skills, weight loss or maintenance, improve health, and also for enjoyment. Many individuals choose to exercise outdoors where they can congregate in groups, socialize, and enhance their well-being.

In terms of health benefits, the amount of recommended exercise depends upon the goal, the type of exercise, and the age of the person. Even doing a small amount of exercise is healthier than doing none.

Physical exercises are generally grouped into three types, depending on the overall effect they have on the human body:  

  • Aerobic exercise is any physical activity that uses large muscle groups and causes the body to use more oxygen than it would while resting. The goal of aerobic exercise is to increase cardiovascular endurance. Examples of aerobic exercise include running, cycling, swimming, brisk walking, skipping rope,  rowing, and hiking. dancing, playing tennis, continuous training, and long-distance running.
  • Anaerobic exercise, which includes strength and resistance training, can firm, strengthen, and increase muscle mass and improve bone density, balance, and coordination.  Strength exercises include push-ups, pull-ups, lunges, squats, and bench presses. Anaerobic exercise also includes weight training and functional training. eccentric training, interval training, sprinting, and high-intensity interval training, increasing short-term muscle strength.
  • Flexibility exercises stretch and lengthen muscles.  Activities such as stretching help to improve joint flexibility and keep muscles limber. The goal is to improve the range of motion which can reduce the chance of injury.

Physical exercise can also include training that focuses on accuracy,  agility,  power, and speed.

Types of exercise can also be classified as dynamic or static. ‘Dynamic’ exercises such as steady running, tend to produce a lowering of the diastolic blood pressure during exercise, due to the improved blood flow. Conversely, static exercise (such as weight-lifting) can cause the systolic pressure to rise significantly, albeit transiently, during the performance of the exercise.

Physical exercise is essential for maintaining physical fitness. It can contribute to maintaining a healthy weight, regulating the digestive system, building and maintaining nutritional bone density, muscle strength, and joint mobility, promoting physiological well-being, reducing surgical risks, and strengthening the immune system.