Exercise is defined as intense physical or mental activity that is done to maintain fitness of the human body. It ensures the overall well being of a person from a health and efficiency point of view. It has been medically proved that a healthy mind resides in a healthy body.

Physical exercise is generally divided into three major categories namely stretching or flexibility exercise, cardiovascular or aerobic exercise and strength training or anaerobic exercise.

Stretching or flexibility exercises loosen the stiffness of joints and make them supple. It is important to perform these at the beginning and end of an exercise session as they help increase the blood circulation. They also reduce the chances of injury or cramps during an exercise routine or sport.

Cardiovascular or aerobic exercises help in increasing the fitness of the heart. They have an impact on the large muscles and help in increasing the stamina. These exercises are rhythm-based and consist of repeated sets of a particular method of movement. Dance aerobics has gained a lot of popularity over the years. Jogging, cycling and skipping also fall under this category.

Strength training or aerobic exercises target the building or developing of muscles. They help develop muscle mass and increase the endurance of the muscles. Aerobic exercises target a specific muscle group and work towards strengthening it. Weight training is a good example of an anaerobic exercise.

The benefits of exercising are numerous. It keeps the body functioning like a well-oiled machine. Most people today have a hectic lifestyle that takes its toll on the body. With little time to eat properly, sleep well and even relax, there is a rapid deterioration of health. This makes it all the more imperative to have a regular exercise routine that restores vitality to the human body.

It is important to remember that over exercising or improper methods of exercising harms the body by causing injuries. The human body needs time to adjust to any new schedule and therefore a properly chalked up exercise program is essential.