The GO2 Glossary has been developed to help you understand activity & health related words. If you can't find a word you are looking for please let us know on the GO2 Message Board or via email at info@go2calgary.com.
Active living: A way of life in which physical activity is valued and integrated into daily living (Government of Canada, 1992). This includes incorporating activity into work, school, play, at home and everywhere in between! (Public Health Agency of Canada).
Body Image: A part of self-esteem, body image is the picture you have of your body as well as the way you envision others see you. For more information click here.
Endorphins: A protein released from the brain, is said to bring a sense of well-being and act as a 'natural pain killer'. Stimulated by physical activity endorphins are what contribute to the 'runners high'- a term used to describe the feeling of euphoria that can be felt through participation in physical activity. For more information click here.
Exercise: It is often thought that physical activity and exercise are one in the same, however they are slightly different. Exercise can be categorized as a form of leisure-time physical activity that is planned, structured and repetitive. Its main objective is to improve or maintain physical fitness. On the other hand physical activity includes all activity- either planned or un-planned, making exercise a form of physical activity (Public Health Agency of Canada).
Health: A combination of the absence of illness, the ability to cope with everyday activities, physical fitness and a high quality of life. For more information click here.
Healthy Living: Making positive choices that enhance your personal physical, mental and spiritual health. This includes choosing nutritious foods, staying physically active, and choosing not to smoke.
Leisure: Leisure is time free from work or school and other daily tasks. Leisure activities can involve choosing activity (swimming, walks, biking) or more passive behaviour (reading, watching T.V.), (Canadian Health network).
Osteoporosis:A bone disease that can result in fractures, crippling pain and hunched posture in those affected by it. Due to a loss in bone density bones become weak and fragile, making even everyday movements difficult and painful (The Osteoporosis Centre).
Pedometer: A small device designed to track the number of steps taken by the wearer. It is worn along a waistband between the hip and navel.
Physical Activity: An increase in energy used by the muscle as a result of body movement during leisure or non-leisure activity (Public Health Agency of Canada). Physical activity may be planned and structured, such as a Yoga class, or un-planned and un-structured, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Self Esteem: Self-esteem is the confidence and satisfaction a person has in him/herself (For more information click here).
Sport: Leisure time activity that is planned, structured and competitive (Public Health Agency of Canada). Similar to exercise, sport can be considered a form of physical activity.
Structured Physical Activity: Games and activities you show your child or that you do with them. This helps your preschooler find out what they can do. It helps develop movement skills, and it also helps them learn to get along with others.
Here are some ideas for structured play:
- play bounce catch or kick a ball back and forth
- go for a walk
- use paper airplanes to practice throwing
- play freeze dance – to play freeze dance turn on your favourite music and dance. Stop the music and freeze in your last dance position. Turn the music back on and keep on dancing.
- teach your child how to skate or ride a bike
- enrol your child in a preschool tumbling, swim or dance class
- balance a beanbag while walking - make this more challenging by having your preschooler walk backwards, side ways, around things, over things etc.
Unstructured Physical Activity: Supervised time for your child to play actively alone or with other children. This is a physically active time when children decide what to do and how to do it. They might play inside or outside. Or on play structures. Or build forts. Or running and jumping. Equipment needs to be suitable for your child’s interests and physical ability.