Exercise can be any activity designed to develop or hone a skill or ability, for example physical fitness, mental dexterity or capacity, musical ability or military effectiveness.

Physical exercise

Physical exercise is activity performed in order to develop or maintain physical fitness. Exercises are generally grouped into three types depending on the overall effect they have on the human body:

  • Flexibility exercises such as stretches improve the range of motion of muscles and joints.
  • Aerobic exercises such as walking and running focus on increasing cardiovascular endurance.
  • Anaerobic exercises such as weightlifting increase short-term muscle strength.

Exercise can be an important part of physical therapy, weight loss or sports performance.

Types of physical exercise