Aerobic exercise is important for weight loss and has many other health benefits including improved cardiovascular health. Aerobic exercise is exercise done for a sustained period of time, raises the heart rate for more than a few minutes, and usually involves the large muscles of the body.

Examples of aerobic exercise are: walking, hiking, biking, aerobic dance classes, swimming, treadmill, stationary bike, stair-stepper, running, rowing, and cross-country skiing.

Strength training or resistance training, is done in shorter spurts, and can involve large and small muscles of the body. It is important for the development of strength, balance, and good posture. Strength developed with strength training can support better aerobic performance.

Strength training is usually done with machines or free weights in a gym, health club, or at home, or sometimes by just using the body as its own resistance.

Flexibility training, which includes activities like stretching and yoga, is also important for proper fitness. It helps with injury prevention, enhances the efficiency of aerobic and strengthening exercises, and can also promote relaxation.