To me it does not seem that all movement is exercise, but only when it’s vigorous. But since vigorous is relative, the same movement might be exercise for one and not for another. The criterion of vigorousness is change of respiration; those movements which do not alter respiration are not called exercise. But if anyone is compelled by any movement to breathe more or less or faster, that movement becomes exercises for him.
Galen, De Sanitate Tuenda 129-217 A.D.
I like this quote from Galen, the Roman equivalent to the Greek physician, Hippocrates. It is straight forward and to the point. It leaves no room for excuses, but allows freedom in choosing a mode of exercise and performing it in a certain range of intensity.
I also like it because it reminds us that we are all in different places when we exercise or attempt to exercise. Therefore, it’s a guide on whether we are exercising with the right amount of intensity depending on our current status of health.
Along with guiding our intensity level, it also holds us accountable and reminds us that as our body adapts to a certain intensity level. A new level of intensity must be implemented in order to improve one’s health.
Finally, it allows us to be creative in discovering new ways we can challenge ourselves and varying what we do when we exercise so that we can break the boredom that often occurs when exercising.
