WHAT COUNTS AS EXERCISE?

What Counts as Exercise? (And Why It Matters for Blood Sugar, Weight & Energy)

Spoiler alert: If you’re moving, you’re winning. But knowing the difference between physical activity and exercise can make a big difference in your health journey.

Let’s Clear Up the Confusion

During one of our team challenges, I noticed something that might sound familiar:
People weren’t sure what to count when tracking their miles or activity.

Walking the dog—does that count?
Gardening?
Vacuuming?
Dancing in the kitchen? (Because yes, I do that.)

Turns out, there’s a really helpful way to distinguish between physical activity and exercise—and both play a role in improving your health and blood sugar control.

Definitions That Make Sense

I came across a clear and simple explanation that finally made it all click for me.

Here’s the difference:

• Physical activity is any movement carried out by your skeletal muscles that requires energy. In short? If you're moving, you're physically active.
  
  

• Exercise is a subcategory of physical activity. It’s planned, structured, and done with the intention of improving your fitness (like going to the gym, walking a set distance, or following a resistance band routine).
  

Why Both Matter—Especially for Type 2 Diabetics

All physical activity supports health, but structured exercise helps improve:

• Cardiorespiratory endurance
  

• Muscular strength
  

• Muscular endurance
  

• Flexibility
  

• Body composition
  

Translation? That vacuuming session is helping your health.
But a daily walk + resistance training combo? That’s helping your fitness, balance, glucose response, and weight loss goals.

And here’s a tip from the Achatz household:
My husband Fred (a senior fitness instructor) encourages many of our older clients to start small—even 10 minutes of intentional movement can help lower blood sugar that day.

Picture This

The American Institute for Cancer Research uses a powerful graphic showing a circle with two color-coded halves:

• Green = Structured Exercise
  

• Yellow = Daily Physical Activity
  

The key message? You need both. They work together to reduce inflammation, regulate hormones, and yes—support weight loss and reduce A1C.

Let’s Make It Simple

Here’s what you can do starting today:

 ✅ Count every bit of movement—yes, even housework and yard work
✅ Add in a short, structured routine 3–5 days a week
✅ Keep your walking shoes, resistance bands, or yoga mat visible as a cue
✅ Let go of “all or nothing” and embrace just 10 minutes. 

Memorize this phrase:  You don’t need to be perfect to have power!

Need Help Starting a Routine That Works for You?

Whether you're managing diabetes, starting over after years of inactivity, or just need a fresh burst of energy—let’s make it doable together.

Book a free 30-minute Blood Sugar Strategy Call, and we’ll map out small movement wins you can actually stick with.
👉 Click here to schedule your call

You don’t need to be an athlete.
You just need to start where you are—with what you’ve got.