exercise: Definition, Synonyms and Much More from Answers.com

Definition

Exercise is physical activity that is planned, structured, and repetitive for the purpose of conditioning any part of the body. Exercise is utilized to improve health, maintain fitness and is important as a means of physical rehabilitation.

Description

Range of motion exercise

Range of motion exercise refers to activity whose goal is improving movement of a specific joint. This

motion is influenced by several structures: configuration of bone surfaces within the joint, joint capsule, ligaments, and muscles and tendons acting on the joint. There are three types of range of motion exercises: passive, active, and active assists. Passive range of motion is movement applied to a joint solely by another person or persons or a passive motion machine. When passive range of motion is applied, the joint of an individual receiving exercise is completely relaxed while the out-side force moves the body part, such as a leg or arm, throughout the available range. Injury, surgery, or immobilization of a joint may affect the normal joint range of motion. Active range of motion is movement of a joint provided entirely by the individual performing the exercise. In this case, there is no outside force aiding in the movement. Active assist range of motion is described as a joint receiving partial assistance from an outside force. This range of motion may result from the majority of motion applied by an exerciser or by the person or persons assisting the individual. It may also be a half-and-half effort on the joint from each source.

Strengthening exercise

Strengthening exercise increases muscle strength and mass, bone strength, and the body's metabolism. It can help attain and maintain proper weight and improve body image and self-esteem. A certain level of muscle strength is needed to do daily activities, such as walking, running and climbing stairs. Strengthening exercises increase this muscle strength by putting more strain on a muscle than it is normally accustomed to receiving. This increased load stimulates the growth of proteins inside each muscle cell that allow the muscle as a whole to contract. There is evidence indicating that strength training may be better than aerobic exercise alone for improving self-esteem and body image. Weight training allows one immediate feedback, through observation of progress in muscle growth and improved muscle tone. Strengthening exercise can take the form of isometric, isotonic and iso-kinetic strengthening.

ISOMETRIC EXERCISE. During isometric exercises, muscles contract. However, there is no motion in the affected joints. The muscle fibers maintain a constant length throughout the entire contraction. The exercises are usually performed against an immovable surface or object such as pressing one's hand against a wall. The muscles of the arm are contracting but the wall is not reacting or moving as a result of the physical effort. Iso-metric training is effective for developing total strength of a particular muscle or group of muscles. It is often used for rehabilitation since the exact area of muscle weakness can be isolated and strengthening can be administered at the proper joint angle. This kind of training can provide a relatively quick and convenient method for overloading and strengthening muscles without any special equipment and with little chance of injury.

ISOTONIC EXERCISE. Isotonic exercise differs from isometric exercise in that there is movement of a joint during the muscle contraction. A classic example of an isotonic exercise is weight training with dumbbells and barbells. As the weight is lifted throughout the range of motion, the muscle shortens and lengthens. Calisthenics are also an example of isotonic exercise. These would include chin-ups, push-ups, and sit-ups, all of which use body weight as the resistance force.

ISOKINETIC EXERCISE. Isokinetic exercise utilizes machines that control the speed of contraction within the range of motion. Isokinetic exercise attempts to combine the best features of both isometrics and weight training. It provides muscular overload at a constant preset speed while a muscle mobilizes its force through the full range of motion. For example, an isokinetic stationary bicycle set at 90 revolutions per minute means that despite how hard and fast the exerciser works, the isokinetic properties of the bicycle will allow the exerciser to pedal only as fast as 90 revolutions per minute. Machines known as Cybex and Biodex provide isokinetic results; they are generally used by physical therapists and are not readily available to the general population.

Cardiac rehabilitation

Exercise can be very helpful in prevention and rehabilitation of cardiac disorders and disease. With an individually designed exercise program set at a level considered safe for that individual, people with symptoms of heart failure can substantially improve their fitness levels. The greatest benefit occurs as muscles improve the efficiency of their oxygen use, which reduces the need for the heart to pump as much blood. While such exercise doesn't appear to improve the condition of the heart itself, the increased fitness level reduces the total workload of the heart. The related increase in endurance should also translate into a generally more active lifestyle. Endurance or aerobic routines, such as running, brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, increase the strength and efficiency of the muscles of the heart.

— L. Fleming Fallon, Jr., MD, DrPH

n.

1. An act of employing or putting into play; use: the free exercise of intellect; the exercise of an option.
2. The discharge of a duty, function, or office.
3. Activity that requires physical or mental exertion, especially when performed to develop or maintain fitness: took an hour of vigorous daily exercise at a gym.
4. A task, problem, or other effort performed to develop or maintain fitness or increase skill: a piano exercise; a memory exercise.
5. An activity having a specified aspect: an undertaking that was an exercise in futility.
6. exercises A program that includes speeches, presentations, and other ceremonial activities performed before an audience: graduation exercises.

v., -cised, -cis·ing, -cis·es.

v.tr.

1. To put into play or operation; employ: Proceed, but exercise caution.
2. To bring to bear; exert: “The desire to be re-elected exercises a strong brake on independent courage” (John F. Kennedy).
3. 1. To subject to practice or exertion in order to train, strengthen, or develop: exercise the back muscles; exercise the memory.
   2. To put through exercises: exercise a platoon. See synonyms at practice.
4. 1. To carry out the functions of: exercise the role of disciplinarian.
   2. To execute the terms of (a stock option, for example).
5. 1. To absorb the attentions of, especially by worry or anxiety.
   2. To stir to anger or alarm; upset: an injustice that exercised the whole community.

v.intr.

To take exercise.

[Middle English, from Old French exercice, from Latin exercitium, from exercitus, past participle of exercēre, to exercise : ex-, ex- + arcēre, to restrain.]

exercisable ex'er·cis'a·ble adj.

Definition

Exercise is physical activity that is undertaken in order to improve one's health. Physicians, physical therapists, and researchers have found that exercise plays an important role in the maintenance of brain, nerve, and muscle function in the human body. New research suggests that exercise may delay mental deterioration with age and disease, and perhaps even promote neurogenesis (nerve cell growth).

Description

Health care professionals recommend regular exercise because it increases energy, contributes to overall health, improves sleep, increases life expectancy, and enhances lifestyle. In terms of specific medical disorders, exercise has been shown to prevent or delay the onset of coronary artery disease, bone loss and osteoporosis, some types of cancer, and stroke.

Generally, exercise is categorized into the following four types:

• Aerobic exercise focuses on strengthening the heart, lungs, and circulatory system. Its major goal is to increase the heart rate and breathing rate. Examples of aerobic exercise include jogging, bicycling, swimming, and racket sports.
• Strength training focuses on strengthening muscles and joints. It also improves balance and increases metabolism. Weightlifting is the most common form of strength training.
• Balance exercises are used to improve stability. They stimulate the vestibular system, which includes muscles, joints, sensory organs, the inner ear, and the brain.
• Stretching exercises improve flexibility, which helps prevent injury during other forms of exercises and may decrease chronic pain. Stretching exercises include yoga, tai chi, and basic stretches.

All four types of exercises have been found to be important to maintaining brain, nerve, and muscle health.

Exercise and the brain

Exercise is particularly beneficial to the health of the brain. It has long been known that exercise causes the endocrine system to release serotonin and dopamine, hormones in the brain that produce feelings of euphoria and peacefulness. These hormones often allow people who exercise to think more clearly and perform mental tasks more easily. Exercise has also been successfully used as a treatment for depression, used in lieu of prescription antidepressants.

A 2003 study on mice suggests that new brain cells can grow as a result of exercise. This neurogenesis, previously thought not to occur in adult mammals, is concentrated in the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for learning and spatial memory. In addition, the study found that the mice subjected to an exercise regimen had stronger synapses than the mice that were sedentary. Other research shows that nerve growth factors, called neurotropins, are stimulated by exercise. Finally, exercise increases blood flow to the brain, as well as collateral circulation, enhancing mental function and nerve cell stimulation.

Exercise and aging

Aging naturally affects a variety of processes in the human body. Exercise has many positive benefits that prevent or slow the age-related deterioration of brain, nerve, and muscle functions.

In 2001, a study reported by the Mayo Clinic showed that regular exercise in older people slowed rates of mental deterioration, including Alzheimer's disease and dementia. On tests of mental acuity, older people who exercised regularly performed just as well as younger people who did not exercise. Another study found that regular walking greatly slowed rates of mental decline in older women.

Between the ages of 30 and 90, natural aging processes result in the loss of 15–25% of the brain tissue. In particular, losses are significant in the parts of the brain consisting of gray matter, which is associated with learning and memory. The February 2003 issue of Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences reported that this natural degradation of gray matter in older people was significantly decreased in people who exercised regularly compared to those who did not exercise. In the study, fitness levels were determined by treadmill-walking tests and tissue degradation was measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Balance is often affected as people age. Balance depends on input from the eyes, ears, and other sensory organs, all of which are affected by age. In addition, muscle strength and tone are required for balance. The natural aging process includes contraction of muscle tissue, and sedentary lifestyles only exacerbate the weakening of muscles. Joints supported by strong muscles are more stable than joints that are supported by weak muscles. Strength training, in particular, has the potential to counteract loss of muscle strength.

Physical therapy and the brain, nerves, and muscles

Therapeutic exercises have been designed to enhance a variety of aspects of physical fitness in patients suffering from diseases and dysfunctions. Goals of physical therapy include improving circulation, coordination, balance, and respiratory capacity. Exercises may be geared toward mobilizing joints and releasing contracted muscles and tendons.

Patients suffering from neurological disorders can be treated with a variety of physical therapies. For example, motor neuron damage or partial peripheral nerve damage may respond to a specific type of physical therapy called proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). PNF focuses on exercises that build muscle strength by applying resistance to muscle contraction. Patients who have experienced cerebrovascular accidents may undergo PNF combined with training for muscle strength, balance, and coordination. Multiple sclerosis is treated with PNF along with physical fitness training. Physical therapies for Parkinson disease focus on general physical fitness training, along with stretching exercises.

Resources

BOOKS

Putnam, Stephen C. Nature's Ritalin for the Marathon Mind. Hinesburg, VT: Upper Access Book Publishers, 2001.

Ratey, John. A User's Guide to the Brain: Perception, Attention, and the Four Theaters of the Brain. Vancouver, WA: Vintage Books, 2002.

OTHER

Effects on Neurologic Diseases and Mental Decline. Health and Age. (March 18, 2004). http://www.healthandage.com/Home/gm=0!gc=2!gid6=2908.

Frankenfield, Gay. "Exercise May Improve Learning and Memory." WebMD January 4, 2004 (March 18, 2004). http://my.webmd.com/content/article/17/1676_50120.htm?lastselectedguid={5FE84E90-BC77-4056-A91C-9531713CA348.

Lawrence, Star. "Train Your Brain with Exercise." WebMD July 28, 2003 (March 18, 2004). http://my.webmd.com/content/article/67/79909.htm?lastselectedguid={5FE84E90-BC77-4056-A91C-9531713CA348.

Warner, Jennifer. "Exercise Saves Brain Cells." WebMD January 29, 2003 (March 18, 2004). http://my.webmd.com/content/article/60/66925.htm?lastselectedguid={5FE84E90-BC77-4056-A91C-9531713CA348.

ORGANIZATIONS

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, 4770 Buford Highway, NE, Atlanta, GA 30341-3724. (888) CDC-4NRG ((888) 232-4674). http://www.cdc.gov.

The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Department W, 200 Independence Ave., SW, Room 738-H, Washington, DC 20004. (202) 690-9000; Fax: (202) 690-5211. http://fitness.gov/index.html.

Juli M. Berwald

Definition

The Surgeon General of the United States defines exercise as physical activity that involves planned, structured, and repetitive bodily movements in order to improve or maintain physical fitness. As an element of health, exercise involves both strength training of the muscles and cardiovascular fitness, with stretching activities for flexibility. Most research on physical activity for fitness stresses the intensity and regularity of exercise as key elements. Typical exercise activities include fast walking, running, cycling, swimming, or aerobics classes. The latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, in conjunction with the American Council on Sports Medicine, recommends that all adults perform 30 or more minutes a day of moderate-intensity activity for 5–7 days per week. The National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference Statement on Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health identifies inactivity as a major public health problem in the United States. They have recommended exercise regimens 5–7 days a week for people who are already active, and such leisure activities as gardening, walking, using stairs instead of an elevator, cleaning house and recreational pursuits etc., for people who are largely sedentary.

Purpose

One important purpose of exercise is speeding recovery from surgery. Nowhere is being fit as important as when a person is facing surgery or recovering from surgery. Regular exercise leads to important health advantages, including weight loss; greater cardiovascular efficiency; lower cholesterol levels; increased musculoskeletal strength and flexibility; and better functioning of the metabolic, endocrine and immune systems. These effects diminish with lack of exercise within two weeks if physical activity is substantially reduced; the fitness effects disappear altogether within two to eight months if physical activity is not resumed.

With regard to preparing for surgery, the effects of regular exercise on all body systems create optimal responses both to the surgical procedures itself and during the postoperative recovery period.

Demographics

Most adults in North America would benefit from increasing their level of physical activity. The majority of adults in the United States (55%) are overweight, and two-thirds of those with weight problems are likely also to have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or
other obesity-related conditions. A sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating patterns are responsible for at least 300,000 deaths each year from chronic diseases. It is estimated that two-thirds of people over 65 have at least one chronic condition, with 36 million Americans suffering from some form of arthritis. More than 300,000 total joint replacement procedures are performed each year due to osteoarthritis. Lack of physical activity contributes substantially to conditions like osteoarthritis, low back pain, and osteoporosis.

Obesity reached epidemic proportions among adults in the United States in the years between 1987 and 2000. Over 45 million adults are obese; in addition, the percentage of young people who are overweight has more than doubled in the last 20 years. Despite the benefits of physical activity, more than 60% of American adults do not get enough physical activity to provide health benefits. More than 25% are not active in their leisure time. Insufficient activity increases with age; it is also more common in women than men and among those with lower levels of economic stability and educational achievement.

The direct consequences of obesity include:

• Heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death and disability in the United States.
• Type 2 diabetes (also known as NIDDM, or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus).
• Cancer. Obesity increases the risk of cancer of the uterus, gallbladder, cervix, ovary, breast, and colon in women; it increases the risk of cancer of the colon, rectum, and prostate in men.
• Osteoarthritis. Obesity adds to daily "wear and tear" on joints, primarily the knees, as well as the hips and lower back.
• Gallbladder disease. The risk of gallbladder disease and gallstones increases as a person's weight increases.
• Stress incontinence in women, especially those over 65 years old.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Diagnosis/Preparation

Over 25 million Americans will undergo surgery in 2003. Each patient's surgical risk, complications and outcomes will depend upon how fit they are; how well their cardiovascular and pulmonary systems withstand the stress of anesthesia; how quickly their bones and muscles recover after surgical procedures; and how well their metabolic and immune systems respond to surgery and the risk of infection. The general physical status of the patient is the most important factor in preparing for surgery. This status is determined by the physician, including his or her evaluation of the specific procedures to be performed. On the other hand, however, the patient's lifestyle may affect management of the surgery both before and after the actual procedures. A healthful diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking are highly recommended before surgery. Each of these factors has an important role to play in optimal functioning of the circulatory and pulmonary systems. Smoking should cease two weeks before surgery to be beneficial.

Aftercare

After surgery, it is important to return to daily activities when the physician gives permission to do so. Most doctors encourage their patients to be as active as possible as soon as possible. While aftercare is individualized, and physicians may place certain limitations on physical activity for specific patients, walking as soon as the patient is able to walk is generally recommended. The patient should be as active as possible within the limits set by the physician for postoperative recovery, with the goal of returning to his or her normal daily activities and exercise routines. The patient should ask the physician for explicit guidelines about returning to an established exercise program or other physical or recreational activities.

Risks

The benefits of exercise before, after surgery and continuing as a daily life activity cannot be overemphasized. There are risks, however, for people who begin an exercise program without having had one in the past. Patients should always have a physical examination before taking up an exercise program for the first time or after a long period of inactivity.

Such high-intensity exercise regimens as high-impact aerobics and jogging are not recommended as often as they once were for helping patients attain a specific fitness level as measured by resting heart rate and muscle mass. Walking, swimming, and gardening can all contribute to aerobic fitness. Strength training with resistance exercises for the arms and legs using weights or bands is now an important aspect of physical fitness. These exercises can be done at a moderate rate, with the number of repetitions increased over time. Stretching is very important to both kinds of exercise activities.

Morbidity and Mortality Rates

Without exercise and a healthful diet, people burn fewer calories than they take in, resulting in increasing weight gain. While the formula is familiar, the outcomes are surprising. According to studies based on a newer index for obesity—the body mass index or BMI—people who are overweight or obese have dramatically shorter life spans. In fact, some studies are showing that individuals who are fat in middle age are as likely to lose years of life as those who smoke. Researchers have found obesity and overweight combined are the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States, behind tobacco use. Correlating the BMI—calculated from a person's weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared—and the mortality of different cohorts of subjects in large longitudinal studies, researchers have found that the lowest mortality rates from all causes were found among those having a BMI between 23.5 and 24.9 for men and 22.0–23.4 for women. The strongest association between obesity and death from all causes are found among individuals with the highest BMI—people with a BMI of 40+. Clinical obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or above. Morbid obesity is defined as a BMI of 40 or above.

With respect to health care, people who are obese have higher rates of complications in the hospital. Researchers in New York studied a group of patients who were in the intensive care unit (ICU) for a variety of causes, and found that those who were morbidly obese were far more likely to die of their illness than those who were closer to their desirable weight (23.3% vs. 6.1%). Patients who were morbidly obese had higher rates of transferrals to nursing homes from the ICU, rather than being discharged to their homes—over 16% for the obese patients compared to 3% for patients who were less overweight.

Resources

Books

"Nutritional Disorders: Obesity." Section 1, Chapter 5 in TheMerck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, edited by Mark

H. Beers, MD, and Robert Berkow, MD. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories, 1999.

Report of the Surgeon General. Physical Activity and Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, 1996. www.sgreports.nlm.nih.gov

Periodicals

Bolliger, C. T. "Evaluation of Operability Before Lung Resection." Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine 9 (July 2003): 321-326.

Cummings, S., E. S. Parham, and G. W. Strain. "Position of the American Dietetic Association: Weight Management." Journal of the American Dietetic Association 102 (August 2002): 1145-1155.

Morey, M. C., and C. W. Zhu. "Improved Fitness Narrows the Symptom-Reporting Gap Between Older Men and Women." Journal of Women's Health (Larchmont) 12 (May 2003): 381-390.

Pollock, M. L., et al. "Resistance Exercise in Individuals With and Without Cardiovascular Disease: American Heart Association Advisory." Circulation 101 (February 22, 2000): 828-833.

Wallace, J. "Exercise in Hypertension: A Clinical Review." Journal of Sports Medicine 33 (2003): 585-598.

Organizations

Shape Up America! c/o WebFront Solutions Corporation, 15757 Crabbs Branch Way, Rockville, MD 20855. (301) 258-0540. www.shapeup.org.

Weight-control Information Network (WIN). 1 WIN Way, Bethesda, MD 20892-3665. (202) 828-1025 or (877) 946-4627.

Other

Agency for Health Care Practice and Research. Assessing a Patient's Willingness to Adopt Dietary and Lifestyle Changes is the First Step Toward Sustained Weight Loss. Research Archives, No. 237 (May 2000). www.ahcpr.gov/research/may00/050.

American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons. People WithChronic Conditions Benefit from Daily Exercise. www.aaos.org/wordhtml/home2.htm,

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nutrition and Physical Activity. www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/index.htm.

— Nancy McKenzie, PhD

Make use of a right available in a contract. In options trading a buyer of a call contract may exercise the right to buy underlying shares at a particular price by informing the option seller. A put buyer's right is exercised when the underlying shares are sold at the agreed-upon price.

Muscle activity

Measuring muscular performance and metabolic input

Changes in heart and circulation

The limit to maximum power output

Pursuing our figures, if muscle blood flow rose 100-fold and oxygen extraction/ml of blood rose threefold, 300 times as much oxygen would have to be extracted from the air each minute for all muscles in the body to be maximally active at once. Actually, this cannot happen: it has been calculated that the heart can only supply 30-40% of the total musculature, fully active, simultaneously. This puts a significant limitation on running and cycling, and an even more substantial one on activities demanding direct propulsive power from all four limbs — such as cross-country skiing and swimming. Tellingly we find that, if any one of the measures of whole-body effort (such as maximum CO, maximum power output, or maximum oxygen consumption — V̇o₂max) is considered, its values over all these exercises are within about 10% of each other — strongly indicating that the chief limitation on them all is a central function upon which each depends. One expression of this central limitation is the ceiling, just noted, on cardiac output.

Changes in breathing

The limit shows itself in respiratory function, too. However, it is not in the obvious feature, ventilation (the volume of air breathed in and out each minute) ; this increases several times more than CO — namely 15-35-fold, according to aerobic fitness. (Typical patterns of the increase of ventilation during the first few minutes of both moderate and strenuous exercise are described under breathing during exercise.) That the maximum ventilatory rate is more than sufficient to meet requirements is indicated by the fact that oxygen extraction from each litre of air goes slightly down, not up, at high exercise intensities. At such intensities the time available for oxygen to diffuse from the air in the lungs into the blood as it races past, begins to become a limiting factor. In normally healthy people near sea level the limitation is barely, if at all, detectable; but in top athletes racing at sea level the arterial blood, fresh from the lungs, falls clearly short of full saturation with oxygen — comparable to its condition in a resting person at the altitude of an Alpine ski resort.

Anaerobic exercise

A distinction which has been avoided until this point must now be confronted. The discussion has focused on exercise continued long enough (say 4 min or more) that it must be performed in balance with oxygen uptake. Any track race longer than 1500 metres is of this kind once the athlete's body has adjusted fully to the pace. Briefer activities (like a 400 metre race) can be more intense, but only on the basis of the extra power, greater than the aerobic maximum, being supplied via anaerobic metabolic pathways. Such very intensive, short-term exercise is termed ‘anaerobic’; but note that, while aerobic exercise, when we have settled into it, is totally aerobic, even the briefest high-intensity exercise is never wholly anaerobic.

Upper body exercise

Before leaving dynamic exercise, we should note that exercise using only the arms provides less power at a given HR than exercise predominantly using the legs. Among the reasons for this is that external (and therefore measurable) work done by the arms usually requires the trunk to be braced by muscular effort which needs energy but does not move the load.

Static versus dynamic

Hormonal adjustments

In addition to the cardiovascular and respiratory adjustments which the body makes in the face of exercise, substantial hormonal adjustments also occur. Adrenaline flow is elevated, especially in anticipation of vigorous exercise; and as exercise proceeds, cortisol and (particularly in really protracted efforts, such as marathon races) growth hormone concentrations are both substantially raised, and may not return to basal levels for some hours afterwards. All these promote mobilization of both carbohydrate and lipid fuels, and growth hormone also promotes tissue adaptation and repair when the activity is over. Insulin flow, however, is reduced during exercise. This at first seems a paradox, for the function of insulin is to promote glucose entry into tissues such as muscle, and exercising muscle surely needs its glucose? It is now clear that increased availability of glucose transporter molecules in the membranes of exercising muscle fibres enables them to take in glucose with less insulin than usual. Suitably controlled exercise therefore has special benefits for diabetics.

Fuel sources

Health benefits

Exercise in different cultures

Finally, it may be salutary to recall how rare, and for the most part recent, in human societies is the disposition to take exercise when it could have been avoided. Exercise has been toil, for the great majority of mankind, at least until an industrial revolution was well advanced in the society concerned. Wealth and status thus meant indolence and often corpulence, whether in medieval Europe or over a similar period in China. Yet in such civilizations as that of Sparta and Rome, and in sectors of Japanese society over many centuries, exercise was cultivated in the expectation of war. Perhaps it is ancient Athens that, in its attitudes to exercise as in so many other ways, most closely anticipated our own outlook: exercise for sport, for health, and to maintain/improve the body image were all recognized by the contemporaries of Plato, as they are once more by us. It is to be hoped, however, that our physiological understanding is at least a little better.

— Neil Spurway

Bibliography

• Bursztyn, P. (1990). Physiology for sportspeople: a serious user's guide to the body. Manchester University Press.
• Noakes, T. (1991). Lore of running. Human Kinetics, Champaign, Illinois.
• Wilmore, J. H. and Costill, D. L. (2000). Physiology of sport and exercise. 2nd ed. Human Kinetics, Champaign, Illinois

See also breathing during exercise; fatigue; fitness; sport.

An exercise may be any movement designed to improve a skill, but it generally refers to physical activities that involve large muscle groups. Exercise includes dance, callisthenics, games, and more formal activities such as jogging, swimming, and running. It may be of low-, moderate-, or high-intensity. The precise definitions of these vary, but as a general guide, low-intensity exercise requires 50 per cent aerobic capacity, little increase in respiration and no breathlessness; moderate-intensity exercise (also called vigorous exercise) requires between 60 per cent to 85 per cent aerobic capacity and causes mild breathlessness and some sweating; and high intensity exercise requires between 80 per cent to 120 per cent aerobic capacity. Exercise above 100 per cent aerobic capacity depends on anaerobic respiration and causes considerable breathlessness, sweating, and acute discomfort. Most people, unless they are ill or physically impaired, can perform low-intensity exercise which helps to expend calories (important in weight control) and reduce the risk of some diseases (e.g. diabetes and heart disease). Moderate exercise can cause some discomfort and may be unwise for those who are unfit. People with a body mass index of more than 30 should seek their doctor's advice before starting a vigorous exercise programme. But for healthy individuals this level is usually recommended as optimal for development of cardiorespiratory fitness. High-intensity exercise is suited only to individuals who are medically fit and interested in reaching a high level of physical performance.

noun

1. The act of putting into play: application, employment, exertion, implementation, operation, play, usage, use, utilization. See used/unused.
2. Energetic physical action: activity, exertion. See action/inaction.
3. Repetition of an action so as to develop or maintain one's skill: drill, practice, rehearsal, study, training. See work/play.

verb

1. To put into action or use: actuate, apply, employ, exploit, implement, practice, use, utilize. Idioms: avail oneself of, bring into play, bring to bear, make use of, put into practice, put to use. See used/unused.
2. To bring to bear steadily or forcefully: exert, ply², put out, throw, wield. See cause/effect.
3. To subject to or engage in forms of exertion in order to train, strengthen, or condition: drill, practice, train, work out. See work/play.
4. To carry out the functions, requirements, or terms of: discharge, do, execute, fulfill, implement, keep, perform. Idioms: live up to. See do/not do.

n

Definition: worry
Antonyms: overlook

n

The performance of any physical activity for the purpose of conditioning the body, improving health, or maintaining fitness or as a means of therapy for correcting a deformity or restoring the organs and bodily function to a state of health.

Definition

Exercise is any activity requiring physical exertion done for the sake of health. Activities range from walking and yoga to lifting weights and martial arts.

Origins

Regular exercise as a way of promoting health can be traced back at least 5,000 years to India, where yoga originated. In China, exercises involving martial arts, such as t'ai chi, qigong, and kung fu, developed possibly 2,500 years ago. The ancient Greeks also had exercise programs 2,500 years ago, which led to the first Olympic games in 776 B.C. Other exercise routines have been in use throughout Asia for hundreds of years.

Only within the last 100 years have the scientific and medical communities documented the benefits that even light but regular exercise has on physical and mental health.

The earliest forms of exercise stressed activities that involved stretching and light muscle resistance. Next came martial arts that promoted self-defense. In nearly all forms of Asian exercise routines, some type of meditation was a major component because the ancients believed physical and mental health went together. The ancient Greek and Roman civilizations advocated vigorous physical activity since exercise was associated with military training. The Greeks also believed that a healthy body would promote a healthy mind.

"Physical culture" was popular in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Medical journals showed exercise machines in the 1800s in Europe and North America. Although weight training became popular with a small number of people in the 1940s, it was not until the 1960s that regular exercise programs began to flourish throughout the United States. Gymnasiums, once used mainly by male weight lifters and boxers as training facilities, now are common throughout the United States. Today's gyms and health clubs offer a wide range of exercise activities for men and women that can fit every lifestyle, age group, and exertion level.

Benefits

The medical community recognizes that regular exercise, along with a proper diet, is one of the two most important factors in maintaining good physical and mental health, and in preventing and managing many diseases. Most certified physical trainers advocate at least 20 minutes of exercise at least three times a week. But for people who have a sedentary lifestyle, even walking for 10 minutes a day has health benefits. One study of 13,000 people followed for more than eight years showed that people who walk 30 minutes a day have a significantly reduced risk of premature death than people who did not exercise regularly.

Walking and other cardiovascular exercises can reduce the risk of heart disease, some cancers, hypertension (high blood pressure), arthritis, osteoporosis, stroke, and depression. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in 2001 that running just once a month could help keep bones strong. In addition to physical benefits, a 2001 study showed that exercising just 10 minutes a day can improve mental outlook.

A study released in 2003 reported that exercise combined with behavioral therapy may even help manage the symptoms experienced by Gulf War veterans. Specifically, exercise helped improve symptoms related to fatigue, distress, cognitive problems, and mental health functioning. In the same year, the American Heart Association released a statement saying that exercise was beneficial even for patients awaiting heart transplants. Another study showed that women who participated in strenuous physical activity over a number of years could reduce their risk of breast cancer. Finally, research showed that men and women age 40 to 50 who exercised moderately for 60 to 90 minutes a day were less likely to catch a cold than those who sat around.

Description

Exercise comes in many forms, but there are three basic types: resistance, aerobics, and stretching. Yoga and martial arts are basically muscle stretching routines, walking and running are primarily aerobic, and weight lifting is mainly resistance. However, exercises such as swimming are considered crossover activities since they build muscle and provide a good aerobic, or cardiovascular, workout. Certified physical trainers usually advocate a combination program that involves stretching, aerobics, and at least some resistance activity for 30-60 minutes a day three times a week.

Stretching and Meditative Exercises

The most common types of alternative health exercises are the ancient disciplines of yoga and the martial arts (such as t'ai chi and qigong).

YOGA. The ancient East Indian discipline of yoga is probably the most widely practiced exercise advocated by alternative health practitioners. This may be because there is a heavy emphasis on mental conditioning as well as physical exertion. Yoga is the practice of incorporating mind, body, and spirit through a series of physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. It improves muscle flexibility, strength, and tone while calming the mind and spirit. Most contemporary stress reduction techniques are based on yoga principles.

There are a variety of yoga styles, each with its own unique focus. In the United States, hatha yoga is the most practiced. The pace is slow and involves a lot of stretching and breathing exercises. Much like the Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, hatha yoga strives to balance the opposite forces of ha (sun) and tha (moon). Astanga, or power yoga, involves more intense yoga postures done in rapid succession. Its vigorous workout is especially good in developing muscle strength. Iyengar yoga promotes body alignment while kripalu yoga develops mind, body, and spirit awareness. Pranayama yoga is a series of breathing exercises designed to increase vitality and energy.

Yoga helps strengthen the heart and slow respiration. Studies have shown it is beneficial in treating a variety of conditions, including heart disease, hypertension, arthritis, depression, fatigue, chronic pain, and carpal-tunnel syndrome. A 2001 study at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio looked at yoga's effect on people suffering from lower back pain and pain due to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis. After a four-week period, investigators noted that yoga helped lessen pain, improve participants' moods and decreased pain medication requirements.

There are four main groups of yoga postures, also called asanas: standing, seated, reclining prone, and reclining supine. Other groups include forward bends, back bends, side bends, twists, inverted, and balancing. Within each group there are dozens of different yoga poses at beginning and advanced levels.

MARTIAL ARTS. While the words "martial arts" may be associated with conflict, they usually are graceful exercise movements that keep the body and mind strong and healthy. They can be performed by young and old. Martial arts range from simple stretching and meditative exercises to complicated and demanding exercises requiring more physical activity and mental concentration.

Probably the most popular among alternative health participants is t'ai chi, derived from the Chinese philosophy of Taoism and based on the concept of yin and yang. T'ai chi has a self-defense aspect based on counteracting an opponent's attack and then counterattacking, all in the same movement. As an exercise to maintain health, t'ai chi strengthens muscles and joints. It requires deep breathing techniques that increase blood circulation, benefiting the heart, lungs, and other organs. New research states that t'ai chi may improve physical functioning, like bending and lifting, in older age.

Another martial art growing in popularity in the United States is qigong (pronounced chee kung), although it has several forms that are more Taoist and Buddhist than martial. Qigong is a gentle exercise program that can increase vitality, enhance the immune system, and relieve stress when performed regularly. In China, there are hospitals that use qigong to treat terminal illnesses, particularly cancer.

Cardiovascular and Aerobic

Aerobic, also called cardiovascular, exercises use a variety of muscle groups continuously and rhythmically, increasing heart rate and breathing. Specific aerobic activities include walking, jogging, running, bicycling, swimming, tennis, and cross-country skiing. Another popular form is aerobic dance exercise. Routines should last 10-60 minutes and be performed at least three times a week. Aerobic exercise is especially beneficial for losing weight and building endurance.

Aerobic exercises can be done outside a formal setting, with little or no equipment. However, since boredom is a frequent cause for stopping exercise, it often is beneficial to participate in exercise classes or join a gym or health club. Exercising with a group often helps with motivation. Also, health clubs usually offer a variety of stationary aerobic equipment, such as bikes, treadmills, stair climbers, and rowing machines.

Resistance

Resistance exercises generally are accomplished by lifting weights such as barbells and dumbbells, or by using a variety of resistance machines. They can also be done using only the body as resistance, such as doing push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups. Resistance exercise is particularly good for building muscles. For patients with kidney disease, weight lifting offers added benefit. Chronic kidney disease can lead to muscle wasting, which is compounded by low-protein diets that may be described for these patients. A 2001 study demonstrated that resistance training can improve muscle mass in kidney disease patients.

Unlike aerobics, which can be done daily, weight-lifting exercises require a period for the muscles to rest and rebuild. A total-body workout should be done every other day, or two to three times a week. A more advanced workout would exercise the lower body muscles one day and upper body muscles the next. It is also important to do 5-10 minutes each of warm-up and cool-down exercises, which will help increase flexibility and decrease soreness and fatigue.

Preparations

No advance preparations are required for exercising. However, a trainer can test a person's strength level and outline an appropriate program. Proper shoes are essential, especially for running. Any exercise should start with a warm-up of 5-10 minutes. Anyone considering a regular exercise program should consult first with a doctor, and possibly a sports podiatrist, to avoid strain and injury. Persons with serious health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, AIDS, asthma, and arthritis should only begin an exercise regimen with their doctor's approval.

Precautions

In most people, the main exercise precaution is to avoid strain and overexertion. Exercise doesn't need to be strenuous to be beneficial. People with certain chronic health problems should take special precautions. Diabetics should closely monitor their blood sugar levels before and after exercising. Heart disease patients should never exercise to the point of chest pain. Exercise can induce asthma. It is essential for people with asthma to get their doctor's permission before starting an exercise program. It also is important for people to be shown the proper form in any activity to avoid strain and possible injury, especially when using exercise equipment. People also should know what parts of the body might be stressed by a particular exercise. They can then use supplemental exercises or stretches to add balance to the exercise program.

Side Effects

The primary adverse effects of exercising can be sore muscles and stiff joints a day or two after beginning an exercise routine. These pains may last for several days. Other minor problems can include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea, usually indicating the exercise routine is too strenuous. A person can agitate old injuries or create new ones by improperly using equipment or wearing inadequately cushioned shoes.

Research & General Acceptance

There almost is universal acceptance by allopathic and homeopathic health practitioners that exercise can be beneficial to overall good health. Thousands of studies during the past several decades link regular exercise to reduced risks for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, depression, hypertension, and osteoporosis. For example, a 1998 study by Harvard University of more than 11,000 people showed that people who exercise for an hour a day cut their risk of stroke in half over people who do not exercise regularly.

Training & Certification

No special training or certification is required for exercising. People who want help in developing an exercise program should consult a certified physical trainer.

Resources

Books

Devi, Nischala Joy, and Dean Ornish. The Healing Path of Yoga: Time-Honored Wisdom and Scientifically Proven Methods That Alleviate Stress, Open Your Heart, and Enrich Your Life. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2000.

Feuerstein, Georg, et al. The Yoga Tradition: Its History, Literature, Philosophy and Practice. Prescott, AZ: Hohm Press, 1998.

Goldberg, Linn, and Diane L. Elliot. The Healing Power of Exercise: Your Guide to Preventing and Treating Diabetes, Depression, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Arthritis, and More. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2000.

McArdle, William D., et al. Essentials of Exercise Physiology. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 1999.

Norris, Christopher M. The Complete Guide to Stretching. London: A & C Black, 2000.

Periodicals

Castaneda, Carmen, et al. "Resistance Training to Counteract the Catabolism of a Low-protein Diet in Patients with Chronic Renal Insufficiency." Annals of Internal Medicine (December 4, 2001): 965–912.

"Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Plus Exercise May Alleviate Symptoms." Mental Health Weekly Digest (March 31, 2003): 3.

"Exercise May Help Patients." Heart Disease Weekly (March 30, 2003): 44.

"Fast Facts." Runner's World (November 2001): 24.

Mooney, Linda, and Shelly Reese. "I Fought My Cancer Comeback in the Gym." Prevention (June 1999): 177.

"Stay Active to Stay Cold-Free: A Recent Study Found that You can Ward Off the Sniffle with a Little Exercise." Natural Health (March 2003): 30.

Sternberg, Steve. "Exercise Helps Some Cancer." Science News (May 3, 1997): 269.

"Strenuous Physical Activity Throughout Life can Decrease Risk." Cancer Weekly (March 18, 2003): 32.

"Study is First to Confirm Link Between Exercise and Changes in Brain." Obesity, Fitness and Wellness Week (February 22, 2003): 13.

"Yoga Provides a Fresh Twist on Pain Relief." Tufts University Health and Nutrition Letter (November 2001): 2.

Organizations

Aerobic and Fitness Association of America. 15250 Ventura Blvd., Suite 200, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403. (877) 968-2639. http://www.afaa.com

American Council on Exercise. 5820 Oberlin Dr., Suite 102, San Diego, CA 92121-0378. (858) 535-8227. http://www.acefitness.org

American Society of Exercise Physiologists. Department of Exercise Physiology, The College of St. Scholastica, 1200 Kenwood Ave., Duluth, MN 55811. (218) 723-6297. http://www.css.edu/asep

National Council of Strength & Fitness. P.O. Box 557486, Miami, FL 33255. (800) 772-6273. http://www.ncsf.org

[Article by: Ken R. Wells; Teresa G. Odle]

Definition

Exercise is physical activity that is planned, structured, and repetitive for the purpose of conditioning the body. Exercise consists of cardiovascular conditioning, strength and resistance training, and flexibility.

Purpose

Exercise is essential for improving overall health, maintaining fitness, and helping to prevent the development of obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Surveys conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that 61.5 percent of children aged nine to 13 years do not participate in any organized physical activity (for example, sports, dance classes) and 22.6 percent are not physically active during their free time. According to the American Obesity Association, approximately 30 percent of children and adolescents aged six to 19 years are overweight and 15 percent are obese.

A sedentary lifestyle and excess caloric consumption are the primary causes of this increase in overweight and obesity; regular exercise is considered an important factor in controlling weight. Overweight and obese children and adolescents are at higher risk of developing several medical conditions, including the following:

• asthma
• diabetes
• hypertension
• orthopedic complications, such as hip and knee pain and limited range of motion
• cardiovascular disease
• high cholesterol
• sleep apnea
• psychosocial disorders, such as depression, negative body image, and eating disorders

Clinical studies have shown that regular exercise has numerous benefits, including the following:

• preventing weight gain and maintaining healthy weight
• reducing blood pressure and cholesterol
• improving coordination
• improving self-esteem and self-confidence
• decreasing the risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer
• increased life expectancy

Description

Exercise consists of cardiovascular conditioning, strength and resistance training, and flexibility to improve and maintain the fitness of the body's heart, lungs, and muscles.

Cardiovascular Conditioning

Cardiovascular conditioning involves moderate to vigorous physical activity that results in an elevated heart rate for a sustained period of time. Regular cardiovascular exercise improves the efficiency of the functioning of the heart, lungs, and circulatory system. For adults, aerobic exercise within a target heart rate range calculated based on a maximum heart rate by age is recommended. For healthy children, cardiovascular exercise that elevates the heart rate to no greater than a maximum heart rate of 200 beats per minute is recommended.

In general, the American Heart Association recommends at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day for children and adolescents. Cardiovascular conditioning activities should be appropriate for the age, gender, and emotional status of the child. Examples of exercise that elevates the heart rate are bicycle riding, running, swimming, jumping rope, brisk walking, dancing, soccer, and basketball.

Strength and Resistance Training

Strength and resistance training increases muscle strength and mass, bone strength, and the body's metabolism. Strengthening exercises increase muscle strength by putting more strain on a muscle than it is normally accustomed to receiving. Strength training can be performed with or without special equipment. Strength/resistance training equipment includes handheld dumbbells, resistance machines (Nautilus, Cybex), and elastic bands. Strength training can also be performed without equipment; exercises without equipment include pushups, abdominal crunches, and squats. Children as young as six years can participate in strength training with weights, provided they are supervised by a fitness professional trained in youth strength training. Child-sized resistance machines may be available at some fitness facilities. According to youth strength training guidelines, children and adolescents should perform strength training for approximately 20 minutes two or three times weekly on nonconsecutive days.

Flexibility

Flexibility is important to improve and maintain joint range of motion and reduce the likelihood of muscle strains. Most young children are naturally more flexible than older children and adults and will instinctively perform movements that promote flexibility. As children age, they should be encouraged to continue to stretch. Flexibility is especially important for children and adolescents engaged in vigorous exercise (running, competitive sports). Stretching is best performed following a warm-up and/or at the completion of an exercise session or sport. One activity that promotes flexibility that is increasing in popularity for children is yoga, in the form of children's yoga classes or exercise videos.

Precautions

Before a child begins any exercise program, he or she should be evaluated by a physician in order to rule out any potential health risks. Children and adolescents with physical restrictions or certain medical conditions may require an exercise program supervised by a healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist or exercise physiologist. If dizziness, nausea, excessive shortness of breath, or chest pain occur during any exercise program, the activity should be stopped, and a physician should be consulted before the child resumes the activity. Children and adolescents who use any type of exercise equipment should be supervised by a knowledgeable fitness professional, such as a personal trainer.

Preparation

A physical examination by a physician is important to determine if strenuous exercise is appropriate or detrimental. Prior to beginning exercise, a proper warm-up is necessary to help prevent the possibility of injury resulting from tight muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. Appropriate warm-up exercises include walking, light calisthenics, and stretching.

Aftercare

Proper cool-down after exercise is important and should include a gradual decrease in exercise intensity to slowly bring the heart rate back to the normal range, followed by stretches to increase flexibility and reduce the likelihood of muscle soreness. Following vigorous activities that involve sweating, lost fluids should be replaced by drinking water.

Risks

Improper warm-up and inappropriate use of weights can lead to muscle strains. Overexertion without enough time between exercise sessions to recuperate also can lead to muscle strains, resulting in inactivity due to pain. Some children and adolescents may be susceptible to exercise-induced asthma. For children and adolescents who perform high-impact activities, such as running, stress fractures may occur. Dehydration is a risk during longer activities that involve sweating; children and adolescents should be supplied with water during and after activity.

Normal Results

Significant health benefits are obtained by including at least a moderate amount of physical exercise for 30 to 60 minutes daily. Regular physical activity plays a positive role in preventing disease and improving overall health status. For children and adolescents just beginning an exercise program, results (including weight loss, increased muscle strength, and aerobic capacity) will be noticeable in four to six weeks.

Parental Concerns

Given the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents, it is important for parents to encourage regular exercise and also serve as role models by exercising themselves. Television, computers, and video games have replaced physical activity for playtime for the majority of children. Parents should make a commitment to replacing sedentary activities with active indoor and outdoor games. For busy families, exercise can be performed in multiple 10- to 15-minute sessions throughout the day.

For children aged two to five years, physical activities should emphasize basic movement skills, imagination, and play. Examples of appropriate activities for this age group include rolling and bouncing a ball, jumping, hopping, skipping, mimicking animal movements, and pedaling a tricycle.

For children aged five to eight years, physical activities should emphasize basic motor skills and more complex movements (eye-hand coordination). Non-competitive group sports or classes are appropriate for this age, and parents should focus on helping their children find an enjoyable physical activity.

For children aged eight to ten years, physical activities should emphasize the benefits of regular exercise. Team sports and group classes are appropriate for this age. Experts have found that physical activity decreases in this age group, so parents should focus on being supportive and encouraging their children to be physically active.

For children aged 11 to 14 years, physical activities should continue to emphasize the benefits of regular exercise. Participation in team sports, as well as individual activities, such as dance or martial arts, is appropriate for this age. Peer influence and hormonal changes can affect participation in group physical activities, so parents should consider encouraging exercise at home for children reluctant to participate with peers.

Community centers, local YMCAs, health clubs, and other organizations offer age-appropriate exercise programs for children and adolescents led by experienced and knowledgeable instructors. In addition, home exercise videos geared toward children are available in stores and from Web sites.

For children and adolescents with medical conditions that may limit exercise or place them at higher risk for exercise-related complications, supervised exercise programs may be available at hospital-based wellness centers.

Resources

Books

Inspire Kids and Teens to Fitness. San Diego, CA: IDEA Health and Fitness Association, 2003.

LeMay, Michelle. Essential Stretch. New York: Berkeley Publishing Group, 2003.

McArdle, William D., Frank I. Katch, and Victor L. Katch. Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition, and Human Performance, 5th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 2001.

Periodicals

Anderson, Ross E., and John M. Jakicic. "Physical Activity and Weight Management: Building the Case of Exercise." The Physician and Sports Medicine 31 (November 2003): 39–45.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Physical Activity >Levels among Children Aged 9–13 Years—United States, 2002." Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 52 (2003): 785–88.

Organizations

Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. 15250 Ventura Blvd, Suite 200, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403. Web site: www.afaa.com.

American College of Sports Medicine. 401 W. Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202–3233. Web site: www.acsm.org/.

American Council on Exercise. 4851 Paramount Drive San Diego, California 92123. Web site: www.acefitness.org.

American Heart Association. National Center. 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231. Web site: www.americanheart.org.

Web Sites

Ekeland, E., et al. "Exercise to Improve Self-Esteem in Children and Young People." The Cochrane Collaboration, 2004. Available online at www.medscape.com/viewarticle/486742 (accessed November 29, 2004).

IDEA Health and Fitness Association. Fitness for Your Child.2004. www.ideafit.com/articles/fitness_child.asp (accessed November 29, 2004).

"Physical Education for Preschoolers." KID-FIT, 2004. Available online at www.kid-fit.com (accessed November 29, 2004).

[Article by: Jennifer E. Sisk, MA]

n. 1. (often exercises) a military drill or training maneuver.

2. (exercises) ceremonies: graduation exercises.

See the Introduction, Abbreviations and Pronunciation for further details.

Training of the body to improve health and fitness. Different types have different purposes, including aerobics for heart and respiratory function and weight loss, weight-bearing exercise for bone strength, weight training for muscle strength, and stretching for flexibility. Specific exercises are used in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Benefits include lower blood pressure, higher HDL cholesterol, improved disease resistance, and better general well-being.

For more information on exercise, visit Britannica.com.

1. Human movements and physical activities involving large muscle groups, rather than highly specific, relatively non-taxing movements of small muscle groups. Exercise includes dance, callisthenics, games, and more formal activities such as jogging, swimming, and running.

2. Any set of movements designed to train or improve a skill

3. The voluntary component of physical activity. Exercise may be spontaneous and playful, but it is usually performed with a specific objective (e.g. to become healthier, or to prepare for a competition).

This entry contains information applicable to United States law only.

To put into action, practice, or force; to make use of something, such as a right or option.

To exercise dominion over land is to openly indicate absolute possession and control.

To exercise discretion is to choose between doing and not doing something, the decision being based on sound judgment.

Exercise as part of a training program. See exercise conditioning.

A short piece written to improve performance technique.

(DOD) A military maneuver or simulated wartime operation involving planning, preparation, and execution. It is carried out for the purpose of training and evaluation. It may be a multinational, joint, or single-Service exercise, depending on participating organizations. See also command post exercise; field exercise; maneuver.

IN BRIEF: Activity that trains or improves the mind or body.

Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. — Joseph Addison (1672-1719)

Tutor's tip: He thought he could "exorcise" (to drive out evil spirits; to purify) his fears by performing regular "exercise" (physical training).

See more famous quotes about Exercise

This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)

Dansk (Danish)
n. - træning, øvelse, anvendelse, manøvre, stil, disciplin, skoleeksempel, opvisning
v. tr. - anvende, udvise, udøve, træne, optage, bekymre
v. intr. - få motion, afholde manøvre

idioms:

• exercise book    stilebog

Nederlands (Dutch)
oefenen, zich oefenen, uitoefenen, bezighouden, gebruiken, drillen, oefening, gebruik, uitoefening, uitvoering, lichaamsbeweging, godsdienstoefening

Français (French)
n. - exercice (droit, pouvoir), (Relig) pratique, exercice, (École) exercice, (Mil, Naut, gén, etc) exercice, man¯uvre, opération (de relations publiques), (US) cérémonies (npl)
v. tr. - exercer (le corps, l'esprit), faire faire l'exercice à (des troupes), exercer (un cheval, un chien), exercer (une autorité), faire valoir, user de (d'un droit), employer (ses talents), faire preuve de (patience, tact, etc), préoccuper (qn, l'esprit)
v. intr. - se donner de l'exercice, prendre de l'exercice

idioms:

• exercise book    cahier d'exercices, livre d'exercices

Deutsch (German)
n. - Übung, Bewegung, Feierlichkeiten, Ausübung
v. - ausüben, trainieren

idioms:

• exercise book    Heft

Ελληνική (Greek)
n. - άσκηση, εξάσκηση, (μτφ.) γυμναστική, σχολική άσκηση, (στρατ.) άσκηση, γυμνάσια, ενάσκηση (δικαιώματος κ.λπ.)
v. - ασκώ, (εκ)γυμνάζω/-ομαι, εξασκώ, καταβάλλω, χρησιμοποιώ, ασκούμαι

idioms:

• exercise book    (πρόχειρο) τετράδιο (ασκήσεων)

Italiano (Italian)
esercitare, allenare, esercizio

idioms:

• exercise book    quaderno

Português (Portuguese)
n. - exercício (m), uso (m), tarefa (f)
v. - exercer, usar, cumprir

idioms:

• exercise book    livro (m) didático

Русский (Russian)
упражняться, использовать, применять, тренировка, физзарядка, проявление, обряд

idioms:

• exercise book    тетрадь

Español (Spanish)
n. - ejercicio, gimnasia
v. tr. - ejercer, ensayar, practicar, adiestrar, entrenar, estudiar, salir de paseo, ejercitar, instruir
v. intr. - ejercitarse, practicarse

idioms:

• exercise book    cuaderno, cartapacio, cuaderno borrador

Svenska (Swedish)
n. - motion, träning
v. - utöva, träna, motionera

中文（简体） (Chinese (Simplified))
练习, 运动, 作业, 运用, 锻炼

idioms:

• exercise book    练习本

中文（繁體） (Chinese (Traditional))
n. - 練習, 運動, 作業
v. tr. - 練習, 運用, 運動
v. intr. - 練習, 運動, 鍛煉

idioms:

• exercise book    練習本

한국어 (Korean)
n. - 운동, 연습 문제, 운용, 수업 과정, 예배, 의식
v. tr. - 운동시키다, 주의를 끌다, 구사하다, 괴롭히다
v. intr. - 연습하다

日本語 (Japanese)
n. - 運動, 練習, 練習問題, 演習, 働かせること, 行使, 式
v. - 運動する, 運動させる, 行使する, 及ぼす, 心配させる, 訓練する, 発揮する

idioms:

• exercise book    ノート, 練習問題集

العربيه (Arabic)
‏(الاسم) تدريب, تمرين (فعل) يمرن, يتدرب‏

עברית (Hebrew)
n. - ‮תרגיל, תרגול, אימון, התעמלות, שימוש, הפעלה‬
v. tr. - ‮אימן, תירגל, נהג ב-, השתמש ב-, הפעיל‬
v. intr. - ‮התעמל, התאמן, תירגל‬

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