The physical activity pyramid is a tool that was developed to help people understand the types and amounts of physical activity that are necessary for good health. It is based on the idea that different types of physical activity have different benefits and should be included in a balanced exercise program.
Lifestyle activities, also known as “incidental” or “everyday” activities, are those that are incorporated into your daily routine as a natural part of your day-to-day life. These can include activities such as walking to work or school, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or doing household chores.
Lifestyle activities are generally considered to be at the base of the physical activity pyramid because they are the most accessible and easiest to incorporate into your daily routine. They can help you build a foundation of physical activity and improve your overall health and fitness.
It is recommended that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity each week, and that children and adolescents engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity each day. Lifestyle activities can contribute to meeting these recommendations, but it is also important to include other types of physical activity, such as aerobic exercise, strength training, and flexibility exercises, as part of a well-rounded exercise program.
