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Physical activity quiz

How much do you really know about being active? Try the following quiz and find out.

1) Experts recommend that we undertake regular physical activity in order to enjoy better health and a reduced risk of many common diseases. But, how much exercise is recommended?

1. an hour of challenging exercise, such as circuit training or an aerobics class, five times a week
2. an hour of running or swimming, three times a week
3. any moderate intensity activity that leaves you slightly out of breath, for at least 30 minutes per day, at least five times a week
4. any rhythmic, continuous activity that leaves you slightly out of breath, for at least 30 minutes per day, three times a week

2) Which of these types of exercise is 'anaerobic'?

1. sprinting 100m
2. going for a steady jog
3. doing a yoga class
4. going for a long bike ride

3) How many people in the UK do enough physical activity to keep their heart healthy?

1. 3 out of 10
2. 4 out of 10
3. 5 out of 10
4. 6 out of 10

4) Which of these types of exercise is best at helping you maintain strong bones?

1. aerobics
2. weight-bearing exercise
3. resistance exercise
4. all of the above

5) To what extent is it true that exercise is an effective way to lose weight?

1. totally true - exercise helps you lose weight very quickly and easily
2. true - but you need to do a very challenging sort of exercise
3. not true - it is quite hard to lose weight through exercise alone
4. totally untrue - exercise doesn't help you to lose weight

6) The risk of which of these illnesses is reduced through regular physical activity?

1. thyroid cancer
2. colon cancer
3. stomach cancer
4. all of the above

7) 'Physical activity only makes joint problems, such as osteoarthritis worse' - true or false?

1. true - physical activity damages the joints
2. true - physical activity will reduce mobility and should be avoided
3. false - it makes no difference
4. false - regular physical activity can be helpful in controlling the pain of osteoarthritis

8) Which of these foods are you most likely to need to increase in your diet if you start an exercise programme?

1. starchy carbohydrate foods
2. sugary drinks
3. proteins or protein shakes
4. fat

9) You need to get your heart working harder if you want to get fitter. But what percentage of your maximum heart rate should you be aiming for during moderate intensity activity?

1. 30-40 percent
2. 40-50 percent
3. 50-70 percent
4. 80-95 percent

10) 'Once you reach retirement, there is no real point in staying fit and active' - true or false?

1. true - unfortunately, you need to start an exercise programme when you are young to achieve fitness and health benefits from exercise
2. partly true - you can make slight gains in fitness, but there aren't any real health benefits
3. partly true - men can still get fitter and feel better at over this age, but after the menopause women gain little
4. false - older people can achieve significant fitness and wellbeing benefits, and avoid health problems through regular physical activity