February 20, 2024
While many use the terms “physical activity” and “exercise” interchangeably in casual conversation, there is an important distinction between the two when it comes to our health. Understanding the key differences between physical activity vs. exercise not only allows you to communicate accurately with medical professionals. It also aids in building physical routines tailored to improving your cardiovascular health.
At Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS), we understand the importance of both physical activity and exercise for heart health. Learn how physical activity and exercise are defined by health experts, explore the types of activities that fall under each category, and discover the cardiovascular benefits you can gain from incorporating both into your lifestyle.
The World Health Organization defines physical activity as any muscular movement, even during rest, that requires the use of energy. This also refers to any activity that moves your body and burns calories. Adults over 18 should get at least 75-150 minutes of vigorous aerobic physical activity each week. In addition, adults should incorporate at least two days of muscle-strengthening activities into their routine.
Replacing sedentary behavior with simple physical activity such as gardening, taking the stairs, or using a standing desk when working can:
While defined as a category of physical activity, exercise requires a more structured and planned approach. Exercise is physical activity done with purpose and repetition to maintain physical health or reach a health goal. Cardiovascular exercise, for example, is any exercise that challenges the heart and vascular systems to increase the heart’s ability to pump blood and distribute oxygen to the tissues of the body. Regular exercise can include participating in a sport, doing daily yoga, or swimming laps in a pool.
Physical activity and exercise play crucial roles in promoting heart health and contribute to overall well-being in distinct ways. Physical activity contributes to the overall health of the cardiovascular system by promoting general movement and preventing sedentary behaviors. Exercise, on the other hand, provides targeted benefits by improving specific aspects of heart health, such as fitness, cholesterol levels, and stress management.
Research shows significant evidence that all physical activity contributes to overall health and well-being and that exercise improves physical fitness. Rather than choosing just physical activity vs. exercise, combining both brings the greatest impact on our health.
If you have experienced a cardiac event and are weighing the benefits of physical activity vs. exercise, combine the two seamlessly with CIS’s Intensive Cardiac Rehab in Lafayette. Our exercise physiologists can help patients fully reap these benefits by providing detailed exercise instructions that are safe, effective, and tailored to your individual needs.
In this three- to four-month program, our health professionals will work with you to design a personalized plan to create lasting lifestyle changes. This includes:
To learn if you qualify for our program, start by consulting with your cardiologist for a physician referral. You can also call 337-735-8500 with any questions about Intensive Cardiac Rehab. Take back control of your life while improving your cardiovascular health.