What is physical activity?
Physical activity is any movement that increases your heart rate and breathing. Activities of daily living, active play, sports, and exercise programs represent categories of physical activity that vary in intensity.
Benefits and Guidelines
What is the difference between physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour?
Physical Inactivity
Physical inactivity means not meeting the minimum recommendations of the guidelines.
Sedentary behaviour includes screen time (i.e., watching TV, using a smartphone/tablet, using a computer) and other activities that require very little physical movement, such as sitting or lying down. An individual can meet the guidelines and still be sedentary if they sit or lie down for long periods of time while awake. To reduce the risk of being sedentary, you need to move more and sit less.
Pre-Screening for Physical Activity Participation
Physical activity improves your physical and mental health. Even small amounts of physical activity are good, and more is better. For almost everyone, the benefits of physical activity far outweigh any risks. However, if you have never been active, or if you have been inactive for a while, it is recommended that you complete the Get Active Questionnaire. The questionnaire can help you make a decision about if you should get further advice from a health care provider or qualified exercise professional before becoming more physically active.