Physical Activity Vs Exercise
By Ryley Carr, Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Let’s be honest, for some of us—maybe even many of us—setting aside time in our day for routine exercise is an effort in itself. Even if we aren’t juggling jobs, children, grandchildren, errands and everything in between, getting on a treadmill for a prescribed amount of time may feel daunting. And for those of us with mobility issues, exercise can take on a whole new meaning. That’s why this winter, we’re embracing the concept of physical activity, which encompasses a broader range of movements that can be incorporated into our daily routines, and working it in through achievable amounts when we can.
Physical activity involves incorporating physical movements into our everyday lives, such as walking, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, grocery shopping or playing with children or pets. These simple activities may not seem as rigorous as a dedicated exercise routine, but they offer numerous benefits. Like saving our pennies for a rainy day, every little bit adds up and as a result it increases energy expenditure, improves cardiovascular health, enhances mobility and flexibility, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease.
We aren’t giving up on exercise totally this winter. Afterall, structured exercise routines, such as aerobics, yoga (or chair yoga and chair aerobics for those with limited mobility), and strength training help to build muscle strength, enhance bone density, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote better sleep. Furthermore, exercise often offers a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, as individuals can set goals and track their progress over time. Whatever you choose to do, finding activities we genuinely enjoy sets us up for greater success. A scheduled weeknight walk with a friend, a game of indoor tennis, gentle snowshoeing, or dusting off the bike for a peddle up and down the street can all be fun things to look forward to and help maintain long-term commitment.
“Before being diagnosed with kidney disease, I was always up doing something. I am a high energy person,” says Dan Reddy, who is also kidney patient. “Now that I go to the renal clinic at the hospital three nights a week for my dialysis treatment, I am much more tired. But my wife still makes sure I build movement into my daily routine through walking and gardening and it helps a lot.”
Kidney patient, Brenda Brown, echoes what the benefits of movement are and how it transformed her life. “When I was on dialysis I found I was tired, and the thought of moving, let alone exercising, was unappealing and at times impossible. Then I discovered yoga and was able to incorporate it into my dialysis runs. It changed my life truly and set me on a new path. Today I am very active, including teaching yoga and participating in the Kidney March.”
While both physical activity and exercise have their merits, finding the right balance between the two is crucial for overall wellbeing. Incorporating regular exercise sessions into your weekly routine ensures that you reap the specific benefits associated with structured physical activity.