Exercise and Physical Activity: Are They Different?

They may seem to be one and the same thing, but there is a clear distinction between exercise and physical activity.

By definition, physical activity involves movement carried out by our muscles that require energy, which means that any movement we do is actually is in fact a physical activity. Research tells us that all normal physical activity contributes to physical health and well being.

Exercise on the other hand, is a focused, planned, structured, repetitive and intentional movement with the goal of maintaining health or improving physical fitness. It is a subcategory or a kind of physical activity. With exercise, you focus on cardiopulmonary fitness for your heart and lungs, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and body composition (body muscle mass and fat).

Gym equipment suppliers are aware of these, and that is why they design equipment to cater to each specific facet of physical fitness. That is the reason why there are machines that focus on strength training, like dumbbells, bench presses, free weights, and lifting machines, as well as machines like treadmills and stationary bikes to help with cardio and endurance.

Physical activity is important. Studies have shown that increased physical activity has positive benefits and even reduces the risk of developing certain cancers. Focused activity and exercise also improves overall fitness, endurance and well being. Exercise machines from gym equipment suppliers have been specifically designed to maximize your movements for the positive benefits. And since exercise is a focused activity, you get more health benefits in a safe and efficient manner. A reputable equipment supplier with extensive experience and expertise can provide the best equipment and supply assistance and advice and help in designing a suitable gym environment. With the right set of tools and planning, help build up a fitness facility with the best equipment possible or even just put together a small home gym that would suit your needs and budget.

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Dumbbells are a Boon to Fitness Freaks

Free weights are great for fitness buffs. From gym rats to home based exercise junkies, dumbbells give a multitude of exercise routine options. Home exercise equipment manufacturers have taken up the challenge of providing advanced exercise equipment to improve and optimize the way we keep fit. New designs for free weights and dumbbells have made it accessible even to home based gyms and not just for big health and fitness facilities.

Old dumbbell designs use to be simplistic, using individual weights. This meant that you had to keep and maintain a lot of gear, which also takes up a lot of space and looking after. Advances in modern design now gives us compact modular equipment like adjustable dumbbells. They work by allowing the weight to be adjusted in 5 pound increments. The rest of the weight is left on a cradle while the needed weight is lifted free. This gives an already versatile tool even more flexibility.

Dumbbells could be used for a number of exercise routines. Alternate arm curls help build up biceps. Kickback lifts are good for your triceps. Crunches assisted with dumbbells help tone and firm up abdominal muscles. Dumbbell dead lifts are used to work your back muscles. You can even use rowing exercises with dumbbells for your shoulders.

Use dumbbells with leg exercises. Squats and forward lunges are great for working your upper and lower thigh muscles. Side lunges will work and tone the inner thighs, so do not miss a few repetitions of those. Toe raises target your calf muscles.

As clearly illustrated, dumbbells provide a lot of uses for different exercises. making them one of the most versatile home exercise equipment available in the market. Its simplicity of use and compact size makes it a great exercise tool. Pick up a good pair today and level up your exercise routine.

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Five Fitness Accessories to Enhance your Workout

Do you want to enjoy your workouts even more? Perhaps it’s time to treat yourself to fitness accessories to change up your routine. Consider buying the following:

Heart Rate Monitor

Exercising is no doubt good for you, but you don’t want to overdo it to the point of overworking your heart. This is why heart monitors are recommended. They can help you keep track of your heart vitals and tells you if you are pushing too hard.

Aerobic Step Deck

A step deck can take your aerobic exercises to the next level. Choose a multi-functional model that is useful for a variety of exercises and can be adjusted in a variety of ways. Some of the best ones can adjust in height, from 20 to 35 centimeters.

Foam Roller

You definitely need these to relax and stretch your tired leg muscles. A good foam roller gives you plenty of self-massage options. It can work on your IT bands, calves, or quads. Choose a three in one model—a massage stick inside a low-density foam roller stashed inside a high-density foam roller.

Exercise Mat

These fitness accessories can definitely make floor exercises a lot more comfortable. Choose a high-quality PVC vinyl covered exercise mat that is made with high density aerothene foams. Don’t fall for cheaper alternatives that are made of low density foam. They don’t offer the protection you need and tend to fall apart easily.

Resistance Bands

When you ask gym instructors what their favorite affordable fitness accessories are, they will likely say resistance bands. These rubber bands provide a cheap way to keep those muscles toned while helping you develop strength. The workout possibilities are endless. Go for a 1.5-meter resistance band—it’s the perfect length for hundreds of exercises.

Other accessories

A great music player can help ensure that you never get bored during your workouts. Listening to your favorite tunes can keep you focused on your exercise goals and even help you relax during cool down. You will also need a water bottle, to keep yourself hydrated during your workout session.

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