What’s the difference between physical activity and exercise?

It seems like everywhere we look we’re being encouraged to live a healthier life. From watches that track the number of steps we take each day to water bottles that are smart enough to tell us when we need to hydrate, technology is trying to improve our health however it can.

While doing some reading, I came across a difference between two terms that are often used interchangeably — physical activity and exercise. While they sound the same, they actually mean different things.

The National Institute of Health specifies that both “physical activity” and “exercise” refer to movements you do voluntarily that burn calories. However, “physical activity” can be more general activities that get you moving, while “exercise” is a specifically planned, structured and repetitive activity.

Some examples of physical activity are gardening, cleaning the house, and walking your dog, while examples of exercise include going on a brisk walk or jog or doing yoga. Both physical activity and exercise can improve your health and prevent the worsening of illnesses you may already have.

Since both kinds of movement are beneficial, why would you choose one over the other? Many people are intimidated by the word “exercise” and feel it will be too hard for them.

Perhaps you used to jog or run regularly, but since hurting your ankle you’re scared to start back up. Or maybe you played a sport when you were younger, but don’t think it’s wise to start playing it again.

If either of these cases sounds like you, or you just hate the thought of exercising, finding ways to increase your physical activity may be a good fit. Finding activities you enjoy doing or that are easy to incorporate — like gardening, walking around your house while talking to a friend on the phone, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and playing with your grandkids at the park — can increase your physical activity.

If you are the kind of person who prefers to plan activity into your day, scheduling a time to exercise might be a better fit for you. Remember to vary the types of exercise you do to incorporate cardiovascular exercise as well as weight training and flexibility to feel your best. For those with Medicare, some Medicare Advantage Plans cover a membership at the YMCA or other facility to give you access to group fitness classes and exercise equipment.

Regardless of how you choose to keep moving, staying active is important for “aging in place” and for mental health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlight that physical activity can reduce the risk of depression and can help you sleep better at night. As well, it can help keep skills like thinking and learning sharp.

Individuals reap multiple benefits from physical fitness, ranging from an increase in physical strength and flexibility to improved mental health. These benefits extend further — by increasing the chance that older adults can continue to live independently in their own homes.

The best way to stay active is to find something you enjoy doing alone or with a friend. When staying active is doing something you love rather than doing something you see as a chore, you’re more likely to stay with it and make time to do it.

If you’re looking for more suggestions for physical activity or exercise you can incorporate into your life, search for “NIH Go4Life” in your web browser to read more.

Editor’s note: Sarah Roger is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher, and incoming second-year medical student at Albany Medical College. She was an intern with Community Caregivers this summer and wrote articles on health and wellness, which are both topics she is passionate about.