Question

What are the differences between moderate and high intensity exercise?

Answer 1

Moderate-intensity exercise includes anything that increases your heart rate and allows you to break a sweat, but doesn't meet the criteria for vigorous-intensity exercise. Walking, playing doubles tennis, doing yard work and participating in water aerobics all count as moderate-intensity exercises. If you feel as though your heart rate has increased significantly during the exercise, it likely means that your last activity counts as a moderate-intensity exercise.
High-intensity exercise gets your heart beating very quickly. Once you get to this level, you cannot say more than a few words at a time without stopping and taking a breath. These exercises include running, swimming laps at a pool, riding your bike quickly or uphill, playing a singles tennis match or joining a game of basketball. If you choose to partake in vigorous exercises, work your way up to them slowly; you should always start with moderate exercises.