In a fitness program, increasing the amount of weight you lift over time is an example of

Aerobic activity or “cardio” gets you breathing harder and your heart beating faster. From pushing a lawn mower, to taking a dance class, to walking or biking to the store – these types of activities and more count. As long as you’re doing aerobic physical activities at a moderate- or vigorous-intensity, they count toward meeting the aerobic guideline.

Intensity is how hard your body is working during a physical activity.

Moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity means you’re working hard enough to raise your heart rate and break a sweat. One way to tell if it’s a moderate-intensity aerobic activity is that you’ll be able to talk, but not sing the words to your favorite song. Here are some examples of activities that require moderate effort:

• Walking fast
• Doing water aerobics
• Riding a bike on level ground or with few hills
• Playing doubles tennis
• Pushing a lawn mower

Vigorous-intensity aerobic activity means you’re breathing hard and fast, and your heart rate has gone up quite a bit. You may use the Talk Test to gauge the intensity of your aerobic physical activity. If you’re being active at a vigorous level, you won’t be able to say more than a few words without pausing for a breath. Here are some examples of activities that require vigorous effort:

• Jogging or running
• Swimming laps
• Riding a bike fast or on hills
• Playing singles tennis
• Playing basketball

If you are doing moderate-intensity physical activity, such as walking or hiking, you can talk, but not sing during the activity.

Build Up Over Time
If you want to do more vigorous-level activities, slowly replace those that take moderate effort like brisk walking with more vigorous activities like jogging. Learn more about getting started with physical activity to improve health.

You can do moderate- or vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, or a mix of the two, each week. A rule of thumb is that 1 minute of vigorous-intensity activity is about the same as 2 minutes of moderate-intensity activity.

Some people like to do vigorous activity because it gives them about the same health benefits in half the time. If you haven’t been very active lately, however, increase your physical activity level slowly. If you have a history of a chronic disease, consider telling your doctor you are planning to increase your physical activity, including moving to more vigorous activity. You need to feel comfortable doing moderate-intensity activities before you move on to more vigorous ones. Learn more about additional types of physical activity that are right for you.

Want more tips on how you can add a variety of activities to your life? Check this out.

Summary

• Resistance training increases muscle strength by making your muscles work against a weight or force.
• Different forms of resistance training include using free weights, weight machines, resistance bands and your own body weight.
• A beginner needs to train two or three times per week to gain the maximum benefit.
• Complete the adult pre-exercise screening tool and consult with professionals, such as your doctor, exercise physiologist, physiotherapist or AUSactive registered professional before you start a new fitness program.
• Rest each muscle group for at least 48 hours to maximise gains in strength and size.
• Varying your workouts can help you push past a training plateau.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

Related information

• Aerobics injuries are usually caused by trauma and overuse, but can be prevented by using the right techniques and equipment.

• Exercise can reduce some of the symptoms of arthritis, and improve joint mobility and strength.

• Asthma triggered by exercise can be prevented with medication and by preparing for exercise and physical activity.

• Australian rules football is a physical contact sport that often results in injuries from tackling, kicking, running and constant competition for the ball.

• A kilojoule is a unit of measure of energy, in the same way that kilometres measure distance.

Content disclaimer

Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

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Which of the following is an example of a test to assess muscular endurance?

Which type of physical activity involves planned?