Keeping fit is an important thing you can do for your health. There are many physical activities you can do to stay fit. Understanding these fitness terms can help you make the most of your exercise routine.
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Activity Count
Physical activity is any body movement that works your muscles and requires more energy than resting. Walking, running,
dancing, swimming, yoga, and gardening are a few examples of physical activity.
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Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise is activity that moves your large muscles, such as those in your arms and legs. It makes you breathe harder and your heart beat
faster. Examples include running, swimming, walking, and biking. Over time, regular aerobic activity makes your heart and lungs stronger and able to work better.
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Basal Metabolic Rate
Basal metabolic rate is the measure of the energy
necessary for maintaining basic functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and digestion.
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Body Mass Index
Body Mass Index (BMI) is an estimate of your body fat. It is calculated from your height and weight. It can tell you whether you are underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. It can help you gauge your risk for diseases that can occur with more body fat.
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Cool Down
Your physical activity session should end by gradually slowing down. You can also cool down by changing to a less vigorous activity, such as moving from jogging to walking. This process allows your body to relax gradually. A cool down can last 5
minutes or more.
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Energy Balance
The balance between calories you get from eating and drinking and those you use up through physical activity and body processes like breathing, digesting food, and, in children, growing.
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Energy Consumed
Energy is another word for calories. What you eat and drink is "energy in." What you burn through physical activity is "energy out."
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Flexibility (Training)
Flexibility training is exercise that stretches and lengthens your muscles. It can help improve your joint flexibility and keep your muscles limber. This can help prevent injuries. Some examples are yoga, tai chi, and pilates.
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Heart Rate
Heart rate, or pulse, is how many times your heart beats in a period of time — usually a minute. The usual pulse for an adult is 60 to 100 beats per minute after resting for at least 10 minutes.
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Maximum Heart Rate
The maximum heart rate is the fastest your heart can beat.
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Perspiration
Perspiration, or sweat, is a clear, salty liquid produced by glands in your skin. It is how your body cools itself. Sweating a lot
is normal when it is hot or when you exercise, feel anxious, or have a fever. It can also happen during menopause.
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Resistance/Strength Training
Resistance training, or strength training, is exercise that firms and tones your muscles. It can improve your bone strength, balance, and coordination. Some
examples are pushups, lunges, and bicep curls using dumbbells.
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Target Heart Rate
Your target heart rate is a percentage of your maximum heart rate, which is the fastest your heart can beat. It is based on your age. The activity level that is best
for your health uses 50–75 percent of your maximum heart rate. This range is your target heart rate zone.
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Warm Up
Your physical activity session should start at a slow-to-medium pace to give your body a chance to get ready for more
vigorous movement. A warm up should last about 5 to 10 minutes.
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Water Intake
We all need to drink water. How much you need depends on your size, activity level, and the weather where you live. Keeping track of your water intake helps make sure that you
get enough. Your intake includes fluids that you drink, and fluids you get from food.
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Weight (Body Mass)
Your weight is the mass or quantity of your heaviness. It is expressed by units of pounds or kilograms.
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