Health Topics for Exercise and Fitness

Smoking Cessation

Dynamic vs. static exercise

Dynamic exercise activities keep joints and muscles moving. Examples are swimming, walking, cross country skiing, bicycling, weight training, and house cleaning. Blood circulation, strength, and endurance are improved by these continuous movements.

Static exercise, also known as isometrics, exerts muscles at high intensities without movement of the joints. Pushing on a heavy couch that does not move is an example of static exercise. Static exercise improves strength, but it also drives up blood pressure in an instant. People with circulation problems and high blood pressure should avoid exerting pressure without muscle movement. If you perform static exercise, never hold your breath. This can drive blood pressure dangerously high.

Stretching exercises may be dynamic or static. How they are performed determines this. Static stretching is good for the body. It should not be painful. The stretch is held steady for 30 seconds. This is the safe way to stretch.

Find out through a medical checkup what your activity and exercise restrictions are. People with circulatory problems should avoid activities that might drive up their blood pressure and heart rate too quickly.

Choose exercise activities that you enjoy and that are readily accessible.

Last Reviewed: 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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