Types of Activities that Can Improve Your Health
There are four main exercise groups: endurance (aerobic), strength, balance, and flexibility. Each type helps you in different ways, and a complete activity program includes all four.
Endurance (aerobic): Increases breathing and heart rate, makes the heart and lungs stronger, and improves blood flow. Examples:
- Brisk walking
- Running
- Dancing
- Biking
- Swimming
- Sports
Strength: Makes muscles stronger, keeps you strong so you can carry out everyday duties, such as climbing stairs or carrying groceries. Examples:
- Lifting weights
- Using elastic bands
- Heavy gardening (digging and shoveling)
Balance: Helps prevent falls, improves your ability to respond to physical obstacles, improve body alignment, and increases your flexibility. Examples:
- Tai Chi
- Standing on one foot
- Heel-to-toe walk
- Yoga
Flexibility: Helps joints to work smoothly, helps you bend, stoop, reach, and move easily, and prevents your muscles from getting too tight. Examples:
- Yoga
- Calf stretch
- Shoulder and arm stretches