Types of Physical Activity

This article from the National Institute of Health's National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute discusses different types of physical activity. It recommends specific types of exercise within each category and how much of each type of exercise we might want to do.

For instance, aerobic activities work the larger muscles and strengthen our heart and lungs. Aerobic activity can be as simple as pushing a shopping cart through a store. Because we can vary the intensity, we can be aerobically active at many fitness levels.

The article also briefly addresses muscle-strengthening, bone-strengthening, balance, and flexibility activities.

Note: This resource is targeted to a broad audience; it is not feminist or women-centered.

The three main types of physical activity are aerobic, muscle strengthening, and bone strengthening. Balance and flexibility activities are also beneficial. Aerobic activity is the type that benefits your heart and lungs the most. By understanding the different types of physical activity, benefits, and recommendations, you can create a plan to add physical activity into your healthy lifestyle.

SOURCE: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute • LAST UPDATED: March 24, 2022