While we all know that getting good exercise is an important part of living an active and healthy lifestyle, however, sometimes it can be confusing when it comes to deciding exactly what types of exercise you should do. The National Institutes of Health recognize four distinct types of exercise, and recommend that people engage in all of the types of exercise, not just one. The four types of exercise are endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. We are going to cover each of these types of exercise that you can try in a bit more detail to help you understand what each term refers to, as well as the benefits of that specific exercise type. Let’s get started:
1. Endurance
Endurance exercises, also referred to as aerobic exercises, are activities that increase your breathing and heart rate. These exercises can include walking, jogging, biking, swimming, hiking, rowing, playing sports, and more. Endurance exercises help to keep your heart and lungs healthy, as well as improving the metabolism and reducing the risk of health issues such as heart disease and obesity. It is suggested that healthy adults should strive for at least 2.5 hours of endurance exercise each week for optimal health.
2. Strength
The next of the types of exercise that we are discussing is strength. Strength exercises are those that work directly to increase or maintain muscle mass, allowing you to lift heavier objects and avoid injury. Some great examples of strength exercises include lifting weights, doing push ups, using a resistance band, and more. Remember to always give your muscle groups a break after you use them for strength training by spacing out exercises and working different muscle groups on different days.
3. Balance
Balance exercises are another of the types of exercise that you can try to help your overall fitness level. Balance exercises are exactly what they sound like — exercises that help you maintain or improve your balance. These activities can include lunges, yoga, Tai Chi, pilates, and more. You can experiment with some of the many different ways to promote balance and find the best strategies for you!
4. Flexibility
Finally, let’s discuss flexibility exercises. Flexibility exercises are important because they help you to increase your comfortable range of motion and decrease risk of injuries. You can promote flexibility in a variety of ways, including by doing stretches, participating in yoga, and more. Your muscles and joints will thank you!
Now that you have learned a bit more about the various types of exercise that you can try, you are better prepared to figure out an exercise routine that works well for your body. The best results for your health can be achieved when you combine all of these types of exercise into your routine in order to promote different aspects of your wellbeing. If you are looking for some help getting started with an exercise routine, you can check out our helpful blog on some of the best tips on how to start exercising. Remember, we are here to support you throughout your health journey!
