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55 Examples of Physical Activity

John Spacey, updated on December 23, 2023

Physical activity is any activity that requires enough movement to burn energy. This has several levels that are often described as light, moderate and vigorous that correspond to intensity of movement. For example, housework can be viewed as a light physical activity. Bicycling at a relaxed pace is an example of moderate physical activity while running at a good pace relative to distance is vigorous physical activity. Physical activity produces physical fitness and is believed to have numerous health benefits. It is also commonly viewed as an element of self-fulfillment that produces a sense of well-being and accomplishment. The following are common examples of physical activity.

Aerobics	Badminton
Bodyboarding	Bowling
Canoeing	Capture the Flag
Carpentry	Climbing Stairs
Cross-country Skiing	Cutting Grass
Cycling	Dancing
Diving	Dodgeball
Frisbee	Gardening
Gymnastics	Hide and Seek
Hiking	Kayaking
Keep Away	Martial Arts
Mountaineering	Push-ups
Racquetball	Rock Climbing
Roller Skating	Rowing
Running	Sailing
Shoveling Snow	Sit-ups
Skateboarding	Skating
Skiing	Skipping Rope
Snowboarding	Squats
Stretching	Surfing
Swimming	Table Tennis
Tag	Team Sports
Tennis	Track & Field
Trampolining	Unicycling
Video Games (e.g. Exercise Games)	Walking
Weightlifting	Windsurfing
Wood Chopping	Wrestling
Yoga

Exercise

Structured activities specifically intended to achieve different types of physical fitness such as aerobic endurance and strength.

Sports

Physical activities that are competitive with a great depth of performance that may include physical fitness, talent, balance, strategy and mental agility.

Recreation

The term recreation implies activities that are pursued for self-fulfillment or joy. The following types of recreation involve physical activity.

Games

Games that involve physical activity including children's games and games that are popular with adults such as lawn bowling.

Nature & Outdoor

Outdoor activities and pastimes that involve moderate movement to intensive exercise.

examples of nature and outdoor activities

Occupational & Lifestyle

Physical activity related to your daily life and work. These can have a significant impact on your overall level of physical activeness as they are often routine, habitual or regularly scheduled activities.

examples of occupational and lifestyle physical activity

Discussion

Free play amongst children also tends to produce physical activity. For example, children will often run around when given an outdoor recess.

A large number of video games have physical game play such that they represent light to vigorous physical activity. This includes traditional video games played in the home and mixed reality games that involve walking around outside.

Overview: Physical Activity
Type	Lifestyle
Definition	Activity that requires enough movement to burn energy.
Levels	Light Moderate Vigorous
Related Concepts	Lifestyle » Physical Fitness » Mixed Reality » Sports »