Fitness Made Simple: Exercise vs. Activity: Why knowing the difference makes a difference.

Exercise and Activity are often thought of as the same, but it’s important to distinguish between the two.

I think it’s helpful to think of them like this:

• Activity is any movement that results in energy expenditure. Walking, gardening, washing the car, Pilates, vacuuming, yoga, mountain-biking, etc. are all physical activities. Activity is feelings-based or task oriented. You do what you enjoy or a task you may need to do.

• Exercise is planned, structured, repetitive, and has the objective of improving physical fitness and health. Exercise is intellectually based, and data driven. You do what’s required and the objective is to always improve your performance 

Activity is for fun and getting things done.

Exercise is for producing change.

Don’t confuse the two and you’ll get the most out of both.

Hugh

I provide the most effective exercise program you can do that requires the least amount of time and work possible.