Physical Activity vs. Exercise
(brightroyalty, dean y dean con crantos, flickr. CC: BY 2.0.)
Physical activity is any movement that burns extra calories (housework, dancing, carrying a child). Exercise is defined as a structured, planned, repetitive physical activity with the specific goal of improved health (running, swimming, lifting weights). This distinction is important because patients often think they have to "exercise." Studies show that when initiating a program, those that add physical activity rather than exercise are more likely to stay engaged over the long-term.