Different types of physical activity
contribute differently to health. The type of exercise that benefits the heart
is called 'aerobic'. Aerobic activity is any repetitive, rhythmic exercise
involving large muscle groups. Examples of aerobic activity include walking,
cycling, swimming and dancing. Aerobic activity increases the body's demand for
oxygen and adds to the workload of the heart and lungs, making the heart and
circulation more efficient and helping to develop endurance.
The other main type of exercise called
Isometric. Isometric exercises are those in which muscle tension is produced
without moving a joint - for example. When pushing against a wall. These
exercises produce good, local strength gain. However, they do little for your
heart and circulation. In fact, people with heart disease or high blood
pressure should avoid doing isometric exercises because they increase your
blood pressure, and put your heart under stress.
Aerobic activity in which the body also
bears its own weight - as for example in walking but not swimming can help to
prevent osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). Isometric exercise may also have
the same effect.