1. Definitions of Health Terms: Fitness
Keeping fit is an important thing you can do for your health. There are many physical activities you
can do to stay fit. Understanding these fitness terms can help you make the most of your exercise
routine.
Find more definitions on Fitness | General Health | Minerals | Nutrition | Vitamins
Physical activity is any body movement that works your muscles and requires more energy than
resting. Walking, running, dancing, swimming, yoga, and gardening are a few examples of physical
activity.
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Aerobic exercise is activity that moves your large muscles, such as those in your arms and legs. It
makes you breathe harder and your heart beat faster. Examples include running, swimming,
walking, and biking. Over time, regular aerobic activity makes your heart and lungs stronger and
able to work better.
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Basal metabolic rate is the measure of the energy necessary for maintaining basic functions, such as
breathing, heart rate, and digestion.
Source: NIH MedlinePlus
Body Mass Index (BMI) is an estimate of your body fat. It is calculated from your height and weight.
It can tell you whether you are underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. It can help you gauge
your risk for diseases that can occur with more body fat.
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

2. Your physical activity session should end by gradually slowing down. You can also cool down by
changing to a less vigorous activity, such as moving from jogging to walking. This process allows
your body to relax gradually. A cool down can last 5 minutes or more.
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
The balance between calories you get from eating and drinking and those you use up through
physical activity and body processes like breathing, digesting food, and, in children, growing.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Energy is another word for calories. What you eat and drink is "energy in." What you burn through
physical activity is "energy out."
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Flexibility training is exercise that stretches and lengthens your muscles. It can help improve your
joint flexibility and keep your muscles limber. This can help prevent injuries. Some examples are
yoga, tai chi, and pilates.
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Heart rate, or pulse, is how many times your heart beats in a period of time -- usually a minute. The
usual pulse for an adult is 60 to 100 beats per minute after resting for at least 10 minutes.
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
The maximum heart rate is the fastest your heart can beat.
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Perspiration, or sweat, is a clear, salty liquid produced by glands in your skin. It is how your body
cools itself. Sweating a lot is normal when it is hot or when you exercise, feel anxious, or have a
fever. It can also happen during menopause.
Source: NIH MedlinePlus
Resistance training, or strength training, is exercise that firms and tones your muscles. It can
improve your bone strength, balance, and coordination. Some examples are pushups, lunges, and
bicep curls using dumbbells.
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Your target heart rate is a percentage of your maximum heart rate, which is the fastest your heart
can beat. It is based on your age. The activity level that is best for your health uses 50-75 percent of
your maximum heart rate. This range is your target heart rate zone.
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Your physical activity session should start at a slow-to-medium pace to give your body a chance to
get ready for more vigorous movement. A warm up should last about 5 to 10 minutes.

3. Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Your weight is the mass or quantity of your heaviness. It is expressed by units of pounds or
kilograms.
Source: NIH MedlinePlus
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/definitions/fitnessdefinitions.html