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Fitness and Exercise

Learn about fitness and exercise

Photo of a woman doing aerobic exercise in a swimming pool

Physical activity is not just for jocks. It's for everyone. Being active can help you stay healthy, control your weight, and get the most out of life. No matter what your age or condition, there is a type of exercise that's right for you.

To learn more, browse our Fitness and Exercise topics, or start with these:

Health Topics

Reference Achilles Tendon Injury: Physical Therapy and Rehab

Reference Achilles Tendon Problems

Reference ADHD: Taking Care of Yourself When Your Child Has ADHD

Reference Ankle Sprain

Reference Aqua Therapy

Reference Back Pain During Pregnancy

Reference Being Active When You Have More Than One Health Problem

Reference Bob's Story: Biking for Health

Reference Boosting Your Metabolism

Reference Breast-Feeding: Exercise and Weight Loss

Reference Bursitis

Reference Cal's Story: Learning to Exercise When You Have COPD

Reference Cardiac Rehabilitation

Reference Cardiac Rehabilitation: Monitoring Your Body's Response to Exercise

Reference Cardiac Rehabilitation: Weight and Resistance Training

Reference Congenital Heart Defects: Exercise and Sports

Reference Diabetic Neuropathy: Exercising Safely

Reference Energy and Sports Drinks

Reference Exercise and Fibromyalgia

Reference Exercise and Osteoarthritis

Reference Exercise and Physical Activity Ideas

Reference Exercise During Pregnancy

Reference Exercise for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Reference Exercise Helps Maggie Stay at a Healthy Weight

Reference Exercises After Mastectomy

Reference Exercises for Arm and Wrist

Reference Exercising to Prevent a Stroke

Reference Exercising While Sitting Down

Reference Exercising With a Bunion

Reference Expert: Be Active to Help Your Back Heal

Reference Fit Physical Activity Into the Workplace

Reference Fitness Clothing and Gear

Reference Fitness Machines

Reference Fitness: Adding Variety to Your Exercise

Reference Fitness: Getting and Staying Active

Reference Fitness: Getting Around Barriers to Exercise

Reference Foot Surgery for Athletes, Children, and People With Other Health Problems

Reference Gestational Diabetes: Safe Exercise

Reference Get Regular Exercise for Mental Health

Reference Getting Started With Flexibility and Stretching

Reference Gloria's Story: Adding Activity to Help Control Blood Sugar

Reference Graded Exercise Progress Chart

Reference Healthy Aging

Reference Healthy Attitudes Toward Food and Exercise

Reference Healthy Eating

Reference Healthy Habits for Kids

Reference Healthy Muscles

Reference Heat-Related Illnesses

Reference Heatstroke Prevention: Acclimating to the Heat

Reference Helping Children With Disabilities Stay Active

Reference Ice for Heel Pain

Reference Improving Your Child's Fitness

Reference Insulin Resistance

Reference Interactive Tool: How Many Calories Did You Burn?

Reference Interactive Tool: What Is Your Target Heart Rate?

Reference John's Story: Finding a Way to Exercise

Reference Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Range-of-Motion Exercises

Reference Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

Reference Knee Problems and Injuries

Reference Kris's Story: Getting Active With No Excuses

Reference Low Back Pain

Reference Mind-Body Wellness

Reference MSA Process: Recovery After Injury

Reference Multiple Sclerosis: Benefits of Exercise

Reference Nutrition and Physical Activity

Reference Occupational Therapy

Reference Occupational Therapy for People With Chronic Disease

Reference Overtraining

Reference Overuse Injuries

Reference Overweight Child: Evaluating Nutrition and Activity Patterns

Reference Parkinson's Disease and Exercise

Reference Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Reference Physical Activity as You Get Older

Reference Physical Activity for Children and Teens

Reference Physical Activity for Weight Loss

Reference Physical Therapy

Reference Physical Therapy for Spinal Stenosis

Reference Plantar Fasciitis: Resuming Your Training

Reference Prediabetes: Exercise Tips

Reference Preventing Children's Injuries From Sports and Other Activities

Reference Preventing Foot Problems: Training Techniques

Reference Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Reference Questions to Ask Before Starting a Fitness Program

Reference Quick Tips: Exercising Safely With Arthritis

Reference Quick Tips: Fitting Physical Activity Into Your Day

Reference Quick Tips: Getting Active as a Family

Reference Quick Tips: Getting Active at Home

Reference Quick Tips: Getting in Shape Without Spending Money

Reference Quick Tips: Having Enough Energy to Stay Active

Reference Quick Tips: Staying Active in Cold Weather

Reference Quick Tips: Staying Active in Hot Weather

Reference Quick Tips: Staying Active When You Travel

Reference Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)

Reference Returning to Play After a Head Injury During a Sporting Event

Reference Robert's Story: Getting and Staying Active

Reference Rotator Cuff Disorders

Reference Setting Goals

Reference Shellie's Story: Finding Time for Physical Activity

Reference Spinal Cord Injury: Flexibility Exercises

Reference Sports Training With Plantar Fasciitis

Reference Sports-Related Dehydration

Reference Step Aerobics

Reference Tai Chi and Qi Gong

Reference Tendon Injury (Tendinopathy)

Reference The Three Kinds of Fitness

Reference Tips for Buying Fitness Machines or Devices

Reference Tips for Exercising Safely When You Have Diabetes

Reference Tips for Picking the Right Activities

Reference Using a Pedometer or Step Counter

Reference Vertigo: Level 1 (Easy) Balance Exercises

Reference Vertigo: Level 2 (Harder) Balance Exercises

Reference Vertigo: Walking Exercises

Reference Walking as Aerobic Exercise

Reference Water Aerobics

Reference Weight Management

Reference Weight-Bearing Exercises to Maintain Healthy Bones

Reference Yoga

Medical Tests

Reference Pulse Measurement

Take Action

Reference Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Using Graded Exercise to Get More Energy

Reference COPD: Using Exercise to Feel Better

Reference Fitness: Adding More Activity to Your Life

Reference Fitness: Choosing Activities That Are Right for You

Reference Fitness: Increasing Core Stability

Reference Fitness: Making It a Habit

Reference Fitness: Staying Active When You Have Young Children

Reference Fitness: Teaching Your Child to Stay Active

Reference Fitness: Using a Pedometer or Step Counter

Reference Fitness: Walking for Wellness

Reference Heart Disease: Exercising for a Healthy Heart

Reference Heart Disease: Walking for a Healthy Heart

Reference Low Back Pain: Exercises to Reduce Pain

Reference Osteoarthritis: Exercising With Arthritis

Reference Patellar Tracking Disorder: Exercises

Reference Plantar Fasciitis: Exercises to Relieve Pain

Credits

By:	Reference Healthwise Staff	Last Revised: Reference April 19, 2012
Medical Review:	Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Health Information

Fitness and Exercise

Learn about fitness and exercise

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