Activity log Photo by Dana Marin on Unsplash


arteries: the blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart
atherosclerosis: the build-up of fatty deposits on the lining of the arteries
arrhythmia: an abnormal heart rhythm
cardiovascular fitness: the ability of the heart and the blood vessels to supply the muscles with oxygen
capillaries: the smallest of the blood vessels. It is at the capillaries that oxygen passes out of the blood and into the cells of the blood nearby
dynamic activities: activities in which lots of muscles are used to bring about movement (e.g. jogging and racket sports). During dynamic activities the muscles are alternately relaxing and contracting (tensing).
exercise: a type of physical activity in which the aim is to improve cardiovascular fitness
physical activity: any movement of the body produced by the muscles, which uses energy
resistance training: a method of improving muscular fitness by exercising the muscles against an opposing force
sedentary behaviour: activities that use very little energy and take place whilst sitting or lying down (e.g. watching TV, using laptops/computers, working at a desk, playing computer games)
static activities: activities in which the muscles generate a large force, yet there is relatively little movement (e.g. lifting heavy weights).
syncope: another word for fainting – the temporary loss of consciousness

Last Updated: September 14, 2016