How is physical activity different from structured exercise?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a distinct difference between physical activity and structured exercise.

Physical activity is an inclusive, broad term referring to any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that results in energy expenditure. This spectrum ranges from very low levels of activity to maximal exertion and encompasses daily tasks such as household chores, work-related lifting, and leisure activities like gardening.12

Exercise is a specific component of physical activity. Its defining characteristic is that it is a structured, planned activity intentionally designed to develop and maintain physical fitness. While physical activity covers all movement, exercise is the deliberate training of the body to improve its function.1

In short, all exercise is a form of physical activity, but not all physical activity qualifies as structured exercise.12