What's the difference between fitness and exercise?

Fitness is the ability to perform a task. To paraphrase Dan John, if you throw a world record mark in the discus, then have to sit an pant for 10 minutes, you are still the fittest discus thrower in the world. read more

Regular exercise, depending upon the kind, improves aerobic fitness, muscular strength, and flexibility. Aerobic fitness is the ability of the body’s cardiovascular system to supply energy during continuous physical activities such as biking and running. read more

Exercise is a specific form of physical activity — planned, purposeful physical activity performed with the intention of acquiring fitness or other health benefits, says David Bassett, Jr., PhD, a professor in the department of exercise, sport, and leisure studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. read more

Some differences between the two terms include but are not limited to the following. Fitness is a state or condition of being physically active. Fitness is a result of general nutrition and proper conditioning, and fitness is a state of general physical and mental well-being. read more