Search
  • Coach Login »
Dr. Sears Wellness Institute
  • Home
  • Health Coach Certification
    • Overview
    • Courses
    • Course Format
    • Tuition and Registration
    • Ongoing Support
    • Continuing Education
    • FAQ
    • Organizations
  • Blog
    • Recent Articles
    • Healthy Living
    • Podcast
  • About
    • Our Team
    • Advisory Board
  • Contact
  • Menu Menu

Active Lifestyle vs. Exercise

in Fitness

The Difference Between Active Lifestyle and Exercise

It is a well-known fact that if you would like to live a long, healthy life, exercise needs to be a fundamental part of your plan. Unfortunately, many people associate “exercise” with a gym membership, expensive equipment, and 1-hour segments. While those can be part of the plan, they are far from the entire picture. In this article, we will discuss the difference between physical activity and exercise and why both are important for an overall active lifestyle to achieve health and longevity.

Exercise

Exercise is defined as planned, structured, repetitive physical activity for the purpose of conditioning any part of the body. In other words, exercise is a purposeful activity to strengthen our bodies and our endurance.

woman exercising in a gymThere are 3 types of exercise – cardiovascular exercise, resistance training, and stretching, and each play an important role in fitness. Dr. Sears tells us we need to get at least 20 minutes of exercise 5 days per week to maintain an active lifestyle.

The problem is, many people believe that when they spend 30 – 60 minutes working out that they’re “done for the day,” that the rest of the time can be spent sitting and relaxing. That is not the case, and that is where the importance of physical activity comes in.

Physical Activity

Physical activity is defined as bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that results in energy expenditure. In essence, physical activity is any kind of moving – carrying out the garbage, walking to the mailbox, vacuuming, washing your car, folding clothes, giving your child a bath – all of that is physical activity and results in an active lifestyle that burns calories. But it’s not just the calorie burning that is beneficial. Those activities may not seem important, but they contribute to an active lifestyle that keeps your body functioning as it was meant to function.

Humans were not designed to sit for extended periods of time. When we veg-out on the couch for a marathon session of Game of Thrones or even sit for hours at our desk cranking out a new business idea, it has harmful effects. The lack of an active lifestyle changes the way our bodies metabolize fats and sugars, affecting many of our systems, and increasing our risk of disease.

Get Moving

Here are a few simple ideas to get more make yours more of an active lifestyle:

  • Walk or pace when talking on the phone
  • Do crunches during commercials when watching tv
  • Park far from the store or mall
  • Do not use the drive-thru option at the bank or pharmacy
  • Wash your car yourself
  • Play Frisbee or catch with your child or dog
  • Limit screen time in your free time
  • Walk your dog or your neighbor’s dog
  • Work in a garden or community park

The lesson to be learned (and applied!) is to lead an active lifestyle. Make regular exercise an integral part of your week but remember to stay active and move throughout your day. It all counts.


Diane Yelich is a Certified Health Coach with the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute. A passionate teacher, she switched her focus after 10 years, from elementary school to teaching adults about the 4 pillars of health: lifestyle, exercise, attitude, and nutrition. Another facet of her teaching is a cardio-fusion class she leads at a local senior recreation center. Diane has 3 grown children and lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Through her business Nutrition Know-How, LLC, Diane shares her knowledge and enthusiasm to help empower others to create the lives they desire.

Live Webinar 5 Reasons Why DSWI is the Right Choice March 30th

REGISTER NOW
Don't Want to Wait Watch Our Discover Health Coaching Webinar
health coach certification
Recent
  • Opportunities For Certified Health CoachesMarch 16, 2023 - 8:55 am
  • 5 Questions to Consider Before You Start Your Journey5 Questions to Consider Before You Start Your Health Coach...February 9, 2023 - 10:19 am
  • Unlock Your Potential as a Health CoachUnlock Your Potential as a Health CoachJanuary 12, 2023 - 7:57 am
  • stick-to-resolutionsMake Your New Year’s Resolutions StickDecember 29, 2022 - 9:33 am
Popular
  • Opportunities For Certified Health CoachesMarch 16, 2023 - 8:55 am
  • Food ShapesMarch 6, 2012 - 4:01 pm
  • Whole Grain Bread NutritionAugust 6, 2012 - 4:26 pm
  • Different Body ShapesAugust 20, 2012 - 4:54 pm
Tags
attitude barbeque benefits blood pressure blood sugar brain carbohydrates carbs coconut cooking Diabetes facts fat foods GI giving glycemic index grilling happiness healthy helper's high holidays infographic insulin kids LEAN MCT mood neurochemicals nutrition oil omega-3 processed processed foods Recipe recipes salt saturated self-care sodium sugar superfoods tailgating tips vegetables

Blog Categories

The L.E.A.N. Blog

  • Opportunities For Certified Health CoachesMarch 16, 2023 - 8:55 am
  • 5 Questions to Consider Before You Start Your Journey5 Questions to Consider Before You Start Your Health Coach JourneyFebruary 9, 2023 - 10:19 am
  • Unlock Your Potential as a Health CoachUnlock Your Potential as a Health CoachJanuary 12, 2023 - 7:57 am
  • stick-to-resolutionsMake Your New Year’s Resolutions StickDecember 29, 2022 - 9:33 am

Health Coach Certification

  • Certification Overview
  • Health Coach Courses
  • Course Format
  • Tuition and Registration
  • Ongoing Support
  • FAQ

T5 Wellness Plan

Dr. Sears Wellness Institute™

4933 Paramount Dr
San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: (866) 446-1967
Fax: (303) 558-4214

© 2023 Dr. Sears Wellness Institute ™ | All Rights Reserved |Privacy Policy
Scroll to top