“If you have a medical condition, are overweight,
are pregnant, over 40 years of age or have not exercised
regularly for a long time, see a health professional…”.1
Umbrella
What may the Physical Activity Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
- Active Living
- Exercise
- Fitness
- Physical Activity
Physical Activity
What is physical activity?
DotS the definition of physical activity may vary. In Physical Activity: What Is Physical Activity? the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition is:
How Much
How much physical activity is recommended?
In Physical Activity: How Much Exercise Do You Need? the (United States) MedlinePlus elaborate on:
In Physical Activity: How Much of Physical Activity Is Recommended? Adults Aged 18–64 Years the WHO recommends this and more:

- “Should do at least 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity;
- Or at least 75–150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity; or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity throughout the week
- Should also do muscle-strengthening activities at moderate or greater intensity that involve all major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week, as these provide additional health benefits.
- May increase moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity to more than 300 minutes; or do more than 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity; or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity throughout the week for additional health benefits…”.4
In Physical Activity: How Much of Physical Activity Is Recommended? the WHO also include recommendations for Adults Aged 65 Years and Above.
On page 56 in Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition: Chapter 4. Active Adults – Key Guidelines for Adults the (United States) Department of Health and Human Services include:
- “For substantial health benefits, adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) to 300 minutes (5 hours) a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) to 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. Preferably, aerobic activity should be spread throughout the week”.5
Moderate-Intensity
What are examples of moderate-intensity amounts of physical activity?
In Guide To Physical Activity the (United States) National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute give Examples of Moderate-Intensity Amounts of Physical Activity for Common Chores and Sporting Activities.
Incidental Exercise
What is incidental exercise?
DotS definition of incidental exercise may vary. In Moving In the Right Direction: What Is Incidental Exercise? the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) definition is:
“Incidental exercise is the physical activity we do as part of our day-to-day lives. The walk from the carpark to the train station, or from the tram stop to the office. Walking the kids to school. Vacuuming the house. The little pop-ins to other people’s desks. Wandering through a shopping centre on a Saturday”.6
In Physical Activity: Build Physical Activity Into Your Regular Routine MedlinePlus explain:
- At work, try taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking down the hall to talk with a co-worker instead of sending an email, or adding a 10- to 20-minute walk during lunch
- When you are running errands, try parking at the far end of the parking lot or down the street. Even better, walk to the store or other nearby places
- At home, do chores such as vacuuming, washing the car, gardening, raking leaves, or shoveling snow
- If you ride the bus or other public transportation, get off 1 stop before your usual stop and walk the rest of the way”.7
Gym or Not
What if I am not a gym person?
If you are not a gym person the MedlinePlus explain:
Try joining a dance, yoga, or karate class if it appeals to you. You could also join a baseball or bowling team, or even a mall-walking group. The social aspects of these groups can be rewarding and motivating.
The most important thing is to do exercises that you can maintain and enjoy”.8
Health Benefits
Is there an association between health benefits and physical activity?
Yes. In Physical Activity: What Is Physical Activity? the WHO explain:
Never Too Late To Start
Is it never too late to start physical activity?
Yes. In Physical Activity & Exercise the JH explain:
Activity for 30 minutes on most days of the week will provide you with sustainable health benefits. The importance of regular physical activity, types of activity and ways to get you more active are discussed”.10
Health Care Provider
What if I am going to start doing physical activity?
If you are going to start doing physical activity, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.
In Physical Activity: Getting Started the MedlinePlus note:

- You have diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or another long-term illness
- You have obesity
- You have not been very active lately
- You get chest pains or shortness of breath when you are active”.11
In Fitness: In-Depth – Exercise: 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity – The Bottom Line on Exercise the Mayo Clinic caution:
“Remember to check with a health care professional before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have any concerns about your fitness or haven’t exercised for a long time. Also check with a health care professional if you have chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis”.12
The JH also also caution:
“If you have a medical condition, are overweight, are pregnant, over 40 years of age or have not exercised regularly for a long time, see a health professional for medical advice before increasing your activity. They can refer you to an accredited exercise physiologist who can help you design an activity plan that is safe and helpful to your individual needs”.13
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Physical Activity?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
Links
Where may I find Links related to Physical Activity?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
Links
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.New or Updated
- 5 Yoga Poses You Can Do Right Now To Strengthen Your Core
- Help! I’m Too Tired To Exercise
- Moving Through Menopause: A SAMH Report on Moving Through Menopause [Scottish Association for Mental Health]
- Should You Try the 7-Minute Workout? [24 October 2023]
- Sleep, Food, Exercise, Stress: Why Working on One of These Can Improve the Others
- Why We Need Menopause-Inclusive Steps To Support Women’s Health and Wellbeing
- 10 Weight Training Tips for Beginners
- 5 Reasons To Try Nordic Walking
- 5 Surprising Benefits of Walking
- 5 of the Best Exercises You Can Ever Do
- 5 Yoga Poses You Can Do Right Now To Strengthen Your Core [27 June 2023]
- 6 Desk Exercises That Help You Get Stronger While Working
- 6 Exercises You Can Do In Your Office
- 6 Reasons To Make AMRAP Workouts Part of Your Exercise Routine
- 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity
- 7 Reasons To Start Walking In Place
- Active Stretching: What It Is and How To Do It
- BMI Calculator
- Be Physically Active
- Benefits of Exercise
- Benefits of Exercise: What Counts? Keep Healthy With 150 Minutes of Exercise A Week [Video]
- Benefits of Physical Activity
- Consumer Health: 10 Ways Aerobic Exercise Can Help You Live Longer and Healthier
- Consumer Health: Are You Ready To Add Something New To Your Fitness Routine?
- Consumer Health: Balance Training — Easy, Fun and Important
- Consumer Health: Here’s What You Need To Know About Stretching and Flexibility
- Consumer Health: Strength Training — Get Stronger, Leaner, Healthier
- Dance Your Way To Fitness
- Exercise
- Exercise: 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity
- Exercise Calorie Calculator
- Exercise In Menopause
- Exercise To Prevent Heart Disease
- Exercise and Immunity
- Exercise and Physical Activity
- Exercise and Physical Fitness
- Exercise for Depression
- Exercise for Your Bone Health
- Exercise, Lifestyle, and Your Bones
- Exercising With Knee or Hip Pain
- Fitness
- Fitness Basics
- Fitness Studio Exercise Videos
- Fitness and Exercise [Topics]
- Fitness: Basics – Fitness: Basics
- For the Best Health, Does the Intensity of Your Workout Matter?
- Four Types of Exercise Can Improve Your Health and Physical Ability
- Get Active
- Get Moving: Key Takeaways From the New Physical Activity Guidelines
- Get the Facts on Exercise and Chronic Disease
- Getting Active
- Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018–2030: More Active People for A Healthier World
- Guide To Physical Activity
- Health Risks of An Inactive Lifestyle
- Healthy Weight: Physical Activity for A Healthy Weight
- Help! I’m Too Tired To Exercise
- How Can I Prevent Runners Diarrhea?
- How Often Should You Exercise?
- How SMART Fitness Goals Can Help You Get Healthier [17 November 2022]
- How To Add Core Exercises To Your Workout Routine
- How To ‘Move More’ and Reach Your Physical Activity Goals
- In the Loop: Exercise Doesn’t Have To Be “Exercise”
- Is It Normal To Lose Your Period Because of Exercise?
- Learn To Love Exercise
- May Is Osteoporosis Awareness Month
- Mayo Clinic Minute: How To Start A Running Routine [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Stacking Your Exercise Over the Weekend [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
- Mayo Clinic Minute: The Right Way To Get Your Body Flexible [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: 5 Elements of A Balanced Fitness Routine
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: 5 Stair Exercises To Do At Home
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Running and Weight Loss
- Moveyourway [Move Your Way: Walk. Run. Dance. Play. What’s Your Move?]
- Moving Through Menopause: A SAMH Report on Moving Through Menopause [Scottish Association for Mental Health]
- New Video: Get To Know the Move Your Way Campaign!
- Overcoming Midlife Barriers To Exercise and Better Health
- Physical Activity
- Physical Activity
- Physical Activity
- Physical Activity
- Physical Activity
- Physical Activity
- Physical Activity & Exercise
- Physical Activity & Exercise: Tools To Help – Weekly Activity Diary
- Physical Activity Boosts Brain Health
- Physical Activity and Cancer
- Physical Activity and Your Mental Health
- Physical Activity for A Healthy Weight
- Physical Activity: Measuring Physical Activity Intensity
- Physical Activity: Physical Activity Basics
- Physical Exercise
- Ready To Run: How To Strengthen Your Core
- Regular Exercise Benefits Immunity Even In Isolation
- Sleep, Food, Exercise, Stress: Why Working on One of These Can Improve the Others
- Swimming for Better Health and To Avoid Injuries [+ Video]
- Staying Active: Physical Activity and Exercise: FAQs
- The 4 Most Important Types of Exercise
- The Advantages of Body-Weight Exercise
- The BEEP Program: Keep Your Balance
- The Exercise Effect
- Three Easy Exercises You Can Do Anywhere, Anytime – Video
- Tips for Getting More Active Minutes
- Tips for Starting Physical Activity
- Walking
- Walking for Health
- Walking: A Step In the Right Direction
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Physical Activity & Exercise: Starting An Exercise Program – Exercise Physiologists. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 17 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/healthy-living/physical-activity-exercise Accessed: 22 October 2023
- Physical Activity: What Is Physical Activity? 05 October 2022. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity Accessed: 22 October 2023
- Physical Activity: How Much Exercise Do You Need? Review Date: 27 April 2023. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001941.htm Accessed: 22 October 2023
- Physical Activity: How Much of Physical Activity Is Recommended? Adults Aged 18-64 Years. 05 October 2022. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity Accessed: 22 October 2023
- Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition: Chapter 4. Active Adults – Key Guidelines for Adults. 2018:56. Department of Health and Human Services https://health.gov/paguidelines/second-edition/pdf/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf#page=55 Accessed: 22 October 2023
- Moving In the Right Direction: What Is Incidental Exercise? 06 September 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/news/moving-in-the-right-direction Accessed: 22 October 2023
- Physical Activity: Build Physical Activity Into Your Regular Routine. Review Date: 27 April 2023. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001941.htm Accessed: 22 October 2023
- Physical Activity: Getting Started. Review Date: 27 April 2023. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001941.htm Accessed: 22 October 2023
- Physical Activity: What Is Physical Activity? 05 October 2022. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity Accessed: 22 October 2023
- Physical Activity & Exercise. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 17 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/healthy-living/physical-activity-exercise/ Accessed: 22 October 2023
- Physical Activity: Getting Started. Review Date: 27 May 2023. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001941.htm Accessed: 22 October 2023
- Fitness: In-Depth – Exercise: 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity – The Bottom Line on Exercise. 26 August 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389 Accessed: 22 October 2023
- Physical Activity & Exercise: Starting An Exercise Program – Exercise Physiologists. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 17 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/healthy-living/physical-activity-exercise/ Accessed: 22 October 2023