Physical Activity - Recommendations from the Directorate of Health

-Automatic translation

Physical activity is any muscle work that increases energy use beyond what is at rest. It covers almost all physical activities in one form or another. This includes walking or biking between places, doing housework, gardening or other work that requires physical activity, various games, sports and other organised training.

Physical activity can also be defined by the following:

• Time - how long the physical activity is, the total time each day and the total time per week.

• Frequency - how often physical activity is done.

• Type - what type of physical activity is done.

• Intensity - how difficult the physical activity is - for example, brisk (moderate) or vigorous (strenuous).

Brisk physical activity

Brisk physical activity is of moderate intensity and requires three to six times more energy than rest. During brisk physical activity, the heartbeat and breathing become faster than usual, but it is possible to carry on a conversation.

Examples: brisk walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, gardening and house cleaning.

Vigorous physical activity

Vigorous physical activity is a strenuous exercise that requires more than six times the energy of rest. It causes sweating and shortness of breath, making it difficult to maintain a conversation.

Examples: hiking, running, football and other vigorous physical activity.