PHYSICAL BODY ACTIVITIES AND EXERCISE

Physical body activity (PBA), when done regularly, is established to prevent and manage metabolic and non-infectious diseases by and not limited to boosting the immune system, strengthening the muscles and improving cardio-vascular health. By doing so calories are burnt to provide the needed energy to fuel the body.

PBA may be deliberate or not. Walking, running and lifting weights are different forms of PBA under either of these categories. This depends on the context in which each activity happens. Take for example, a street hawker’s job puts him/her in the position of consistent, indeliberate PBA as compared to a sedentary person who makes the conscious effort to take walks or run to achieve a health goal. Contextually different, the former to a greater extent may not be intentional about their PBA, whilst the latter may only get physically active mostly by exercising consciousness (being deliberate). Either ways, they both achieve a certain level of physical fitness.

Exercise is a physical body activity that is typically considered a deliberate act. It is body movement that commonly involves the contraction and relaxation of the skeletal muscles though other muscles of the body may be involved, especially the cardiac (heart) muscles. The body and its parts are designed in a way to enable body activity to ensure overall health and fitness. Exercise is perhaps one of the platitudes under health and wellness discussions and indeed it cannot be overemphasized. It takes various forms including running, skipping the rope, jumping, lifting weights, practising flexibility and even walking. No one exercise can provide all the needed physical fitness and functionality goals. It is therefore only prudent to adopt its different forms for overall great results.

Different experts and professionals seem to have different categories of exercise. According to Tiffany Ayuda of livestrong.com, there are five types of exercises you need in your routine but permit me to make some slight modifications:

1. Strength trainings

This type may also be referred to as resistance trainings. Exercises that fall under this category target the muscles. They build and strengthen the muscles which subsequently improve mobility, body function and even reduce the risk of chronic disease.

2. Cardio exercises

Cardio refers to activities related to the heart and in this case, exercises that increase the heart rate. These include running, jumping, swimming and cycling. Resistance training can also be classified as cardio.

3. Agility exercises

This is the ability to swiftly move with ease and coordination. Agile exercises may also fall under cardio. They improve focus, reflexes, coordination and endurance.

4. Flexibility and mobility exercises

Flexibility is the ability to stretch the muscles, whereas mobility is the ability move one’s body and its parts around their joints, in a full range of motion.

These are probably the most important, especially forathletes, as they improve movement and drastically reduce injury. They also help with better functional movements with age.

5. Balance and stability training

Probably the opposite of agility, balance and stability exercises are especially important to prevent falls, ultimately making one physically independent. They demand better awareness and control of one’s body at certain positions and movements. Your ability to balance on one leg, even two and also stand and walk in high heels shows your level of balance and stability. Consciously incorporating these exercises in your routine will improve your current level.

Balance and stability exercises demand better awareness and control of one’s body at certain positions and movements