What is the most recent academic based definition of exercise

Hi Liz,

I am not sure your will be able to find that ‘most recent’ definition. The term ‘exercise’ in not one where new science reveals additional information which requires an update to the definition.

A google search will provide you with a variety of options as far as wording is concerned.

Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com

I agree with Karin that there are multiple definition of exercise depending on who you ask what class you take or what a researcher’s bias is. From a graduate exercise physiology class taken fall quarter 2012:

From the physiological perspective, it is useful to think about what the essential factor is that makes something exercise. I think it is contractions of skeletal muscles. Skeletal muscles exert force to (a) cause movement of the body or a body segment (e.g., lifting a weight, running, swinging a bat), (b) resist movement (e.g., lowering a weight, absorbing a hit in football, catching an object), or (c) prevent movement (e.g., holding the iron cross position on the rings in gymnastics, holding a football lineman’s stance until the ball is snapped). It is the muscle contractions that do the activity we call exercise; without muscle contractions we don’t do any exercise. Muscle contractions are fundamental. Then, a lot of other things have to happen in the body to support the muscular activity: adjustments of the heart’s function, circulation of the blood, lung function, etc.

Thank you both for your responses, I do appreciate your thoughts. My question relates to whether exercise is a mindbody wellness technique and finding an appropriate definition in this context will help with explaining this connection.

Thank you for your help.
LIz x

Hi Liz,

this is an interesting qualification that you have added to your initial question.

In order to define the mind/body relationship, I would not look for the latest research but for the oldest one: “Mens sana in corpore sano” – a healthy mind in a healthy body.

I believe that exercise can be made a mind/body wellness technique with the addition of mindfulness concepts. If this were to be your approach to exercise, then you can certainly define in the way you view it as an explanation of your approach to wellness.

Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com

Hello Liz Davidson,

Exercise is any activity that is done to train the body and mind.
It can also be described as anything that is done while awake; because, there are many who can only breathe with assistance and still manage to exert themselves.
You may also think about how reading and thinking slow the recovery process after a concussion.
Lastly, where there’s a will, there’s a way. How is that for mind-body connection?
Take care,
Natalie.