Four aspects of exercise

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(1) Cardiovascular fitness

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This refers to the fitness level of your heart, lungs, veins and arteries which are responsible for processing and transporting oxygen to your muscles. As your fitness improves, your heart will become more efficient, being able to pump more blood with fewer contractions. This is was is meant by a reduced or slower resting heart rate. A slow resting heart rate means your heart is working with ease and efficiency; a high resting heart rate means that your heart is having to work hard. (Resting heart rate is the number of heart beats per minute when you first wake up and before you get up). Exercises which use oxygen (i.e. aerobic exercises) are those which improve cardiovascular fitness.

(2) Muscular strength and (3) Endurance

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If you do not use your muscles they will shrink. Muscular strength is necessary to perform fundamental movements of everyday life: lifting your children; carrying your shopping, even standing. Endurance (stamina) is necessary to continue to walk or carry your shopping without becoming tired. Both are essential in order to maintain mobility and functionality, particularly in older age. Without them we cannot live an independent life. Furthermore, muscular tissue uses more calories than inactive tissue which is good news for those trying to control their weight. Resistance exercises improve muscular strength and endurance.

(4) Flexibility

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Flexibility is critical, yet often overlooked. Flexibility is the range of movement at a joint (where two or more bones meet). Without flexibility we will suffer from increased stiffness (and so an inability to perform simple tasks easily, like turning around to reverse park) poor posture and muscular tension, particularly in older age. Furthermore, flexibility helps to reduce the possibility of injury and risk of low back pain. Exercises to improve flexibility include stretching and yoga.