Calories Used in Physical Activity

The number of calories you burn while exercising depends on several factors, such as weight, age, and weather conditions.

Vigorous physical activity burns more calories per 10 minutes of exercise than moderate physical activity. Vigorous physical activity includes aerobic dancing, heavy gardening, hiking uphill, jumping rope, and swimming, while general gardening, baseball, walking briskly and water aerobics are considered moderate physical activity. Physical activity can be doing chores, such as vacuuming; taking the stairs, or running errands.

Every movement counts, whether it is walking in the grocery store or you are taking a workout class at the gym. Hours do not need to be spent exercising each day; 10 minute increments add up to an equivalent workout. Challenge yourself to move more. Grab a friend for motivation. Use a tool like a pedometer to track your progress. And move!