What activities are classified as exercise?
Asked by anonymous on Jun 22, 2009
in Fitness
I'm wondering what classifies as exercise. I have always regarded things as yoga and walking as non-exercise, but my mother tells me otherwise. What makes an activity become exercise?
Answer
When you think of exercise, you probably think of aerobic exercise that involves the large muscles and increases cardiovascular endurance. But exercise is actually any activity that enhances physical fitness. Activities that focus on improving flexibility, strength and agility count as exercise too. For instance, yoga increases flexibility and strength, weight-lifting increases strength and can be aerobic, and agility is expanded by exercises that provide a combination of reflex action, balance, coordination, and stamina such as tennis. I agree with your mother's broader definition of exercise.
Is jump roping as good an exercise as running?
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