Phenomena and Processes

Exercise

Physical activity which is usually regular and done with the intention of improving or maintaining PHYSICAL FITNESS or HEALTH. Contrast with PHYSICAL EXERTION which is concerned largely with the physiologic and metabolic response to energy expenditure.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

Physical activity which is usually regular and done with the intention of improving or maintaining PHYSICAL FITNESS or HEALTH. Contrast with PHYSICAL EXERTION which is concerned largely with the physiologic and metabolic response to energy expenditure.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

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MeSH Record

See Also

MeSH Record

Synonyms

27 entry terms
  • Exercise, Physical
  • Exercises
  • Exercises, Physical
  • Physical Exercise
  • Physical Exercises
  • Active Breaks
  • Activity Breaks
  • Acute Exercise
  • Aerobic Exercise
  • Exercise Training
  • Exercise, Aerobic
  • Exercise, Isometric
  • Isometric Exercise
  • Physical Activity
  • Activities, Physical
  • Activity, Physical
  • Acute Exercises
  • Aerobic Exercises
  • Exercise Trainings
  • Exercise, Acute
  • Exercises, Acute
  • Exercises, Aerobic
  • Exercises, Isometric
  • Isometric Exercises
  • Physical Activities
  • Training, Exercise
  • Trainings, Exercise

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

10 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings adverse effects, classification, genetics, history, immunology, physiology, psychology, standards, statistics & numerical data, trends.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

restrict to humans: for animals use PHYSICAL CONDITIONING, ANIMAL; EXERCISE THERAPY & EXERCISE TEST are also available; includes body building unless article specifies WEIGHT LIFTING; do not confuse with PHYSICAL EXERTION

MeSH Record

History Note

89; was see under EXERTION & SPORTS 1963-74; EXERCISE, ISOMETRIC was see under EXERTION 1977-83, was see ISOMETRIC CONTRACTION 1984-88; EXERCISE, PHYSICAL was see EXERTION 1976-88

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Exertion (1966-1988)
  • Physical Fitness (1966-1988)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. G11.427.410.698.277w
  2. I03.350w

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Exercise. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D015444. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D015444
  2. Exercise. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exercise
  3. Exercise. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q219067