Exercise

Exercise is difficult, and can be overwhelming if you're starting for the first time. The language of exercise can be intimidating, if you don't have experience in the matter going to a gym can feel scary, and it's easy to feel that if you're not doing the latest online trend you aren't doing enough.

First, the language:

• Aerobic Exercise: Also known more simply as "cardio," or "endurance exercise." This is something that can be helpful to improve your Cardiovascular health, make it easier for you to feel less tired moving around all day with work or with everyday life tasks, and prevent or slow weight gain. Some common examples of these exercises are brisk walking, running, biking, swimming, rowing, or using elliptical machines.

• Anaerobic Exercise: This is typically considered shorter and more intense versions of exercise (though doesn't have to be). The goal of this form of exercise is to increase strength, power, flexibility, and to increase your body's metabolism for things like weight loss. Common examples of this are sprints, weight training, and Calisthenics.

• Cardiovascular: Having to do both with the heart and blood vessels. Things like strokes, heart attacks, or plaque buildup are considered "cardiovascular diseases." Quitting smoking, changing your diet, engaging in aerobic exercise, and getting regular screenings for things like high cholesterol or high blood pressure are all ways you can improve your cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of these things.

• Calisthenics: Also known by many as "bodyweight" exercises. These are complex movements which use many different muscle groups to strengthen different areas at once, and can be used to increase strength, power, flexibility, endurance, and even balance. Common examples of this are push-ups, planks, curl-ups/situps, pull-ups, dips, jumping jacks, and jump rope work.

Second, the exercises themselves:

• Websites such as Fitness Blender, Darebee, The American Council on Exercise (ACE),

Last, here are a few key tips to keep in mind both when starting out and for experienced athletes:

• Most health benefits occur with at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) a week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, such a brisk walking. This can be 30 minutes five times per week, 20 minutes daily, or with heavier sessions on weekends.

• Including stretching as part of your fitness routine will help to prevent injuries, manage stress, and make sure that you are staying healthy for other aspects of your life.