Exercise Prescription for Health

Abstract

Many exercise scientists describe physical activity programs as either exercise for health or exercise for fitness. Data on the dose-response gradient for the relation of physical activity or physical fitness to health and function are reviewed herein to examine this hypothesis. This conceptualization is refuted in this paper. Moderate amounts and moderate intensities of activity or fitness are associated with improved clinical status, higher levels of physical fitness, and lower risk of mortality. This leads to the conclusion that the single most important component of a physical activity regimen is total energy expenditure, whether the desired outcome is health or physical activity. If this view is correct and total energy expenditure should be the primary focus, additional flexibility in physical activity recommendations is possible. Both traditional formal exercise programs and lifestyle physical activity can make important contributions to health and function.