1. What is physical exercise?

Physical exercise refers to any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health/wellness.

2. What are the various types of physical exercise?

• • Aerobic exercise: this includes activities such as running, cycling, swimming and dancing which increase the heart rate and breathing rate, thus improving cardiovascular health.
  • Strength training: this involves using resistance to build muscle and increase strength. Examples are lifting weights or doing bodyweight exercises like push-ups and squats.
  • Flexibility and balance exercises: these are activities that improve range of motion, flexibility and balance. Examples are yoga and tai chi.
  • High-intensity interval training (HIIT): this involves short bursts of intense activity followed by periods of rest or lower-intensity activity. This type of exercise improves both cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength.

3. How much should you exercise?

The amount of exercise that is right for you depends on your individual health goals, fitness level and lifestyle. In general, it is recommended that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week and to include strength training exercises focusing on all major muscle groups at least two days per week.

4. What are the benefits of regular physical exercise?

Regular physical exercise has numerous benefits for the body and mind; including improved cardiovascular health, weight management, increased strength and endurance, reduced risk of chronic diseases, improved mental health, improved cognitive function and increased longevity.