What does the term 'exercise intensity' refer to?

The concept of 'exercise intensity' fundamentally pertains to the difficulty level of an exercise. This refers to how hard the body is working during physical activity, which can be influenced by factors such as speed, resistance, and overall effort exerted. Intensity can be measured in various ways, including heart rate, perceived exertion levels, or the amount of weight lifted.

While the energy required to perform exercises can relate to intensity, it is not a direct definition. Similarly, the duration of exercise sessions and the specific types of exercises included do not encapsulate intensity. Instead, they may affect overall fitness and effectiveness of an exercise program but do not define how hard an exercise is. Understanding intensity is crucial for safely managing exercise programs, especially for populations like those with arthritis, where appropriate intensity can help improve function and alleviate pain without causing undue stress on the joints.