Physical Activity, Exercise, Sports – Essential Definitions To Know
Posted on December 3, 2011
In order to understand more regarding exercise and sports in general, it would be necessary to know what are the common terms that are being used. To start with, what is physical activity? This usually refers to any activity involving skeletal muscle movement which brings about body movements and requiring energy. The activities are performed at various intensities, duration and requires corresponding oxygen uptake.
Next is exercise. Exercise or exercise training are planned activities carried out with the aim of improving or preserving physical fitness. Exercise may involve both endurance and resistance training. Physical fitness may be described as the condition which enables a person to carry out physical activity.
Sports
Endurance exercise which includes aerobic, dynamic or isotonic, involves various movements which are repeatedly performed against low resistance. When this type of exercise is performed regularly, over time will result in improved functional capacity. This will allow the individual to exercise for a longer duration and also at a higher work rate. Ultimately it helps to increase stamina and endurance.
On the other hand, resistance exercise involves movements against high resistance carried out in a low repetition manner. This type of exercise if carried out regularly will result in building strength and is often referred to as power or strength training. The size of skeletal muscles would also increase, thus giving the muscular shape to the body. Another benefit is it also increases bone mass.
Involvement in sports can either be at a competitive level or just for recreation. These two types of sports differ in the needs for physiological and emotional preparation. Athletes involved in competitive sports participate in organized events that require systematic training on a regular basis. Their training often involves high levels of effort in a consistent way. For recreational sports, there would normally be minimal competition involved. So the exercises are performed with the goal of attaining physical fitness without the pressure to perform well in competitions. However they do still need to be carried out on a regular basis to achieve the maximum benefits and stay healthy.
Physical Activity, Exercise, Sports – Essential Definitions To Know
