What is the difference between fitness and physical activity?

What is the difference between fitness and physical activity?

John Spencer Ellis (Author, TV Show Host, Trainer and CEO, National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association) gives expert video advice on: What is the most common fitness mistake?; What is the difference between fitness and physical activity?; Why is exercise so important? and more...

The difference between fitness and physical activity? That's a great question, and I would say it lies in structure. Physical activity is not sitting on the couch. Fitness is not sitting on the couch and having a specific intent, a specific purpose. What is it that you want to accomplish? Is it training for a sport or activity? Is it to lose a given number of fat pounds? A fitness regimen is something that is structured with purpose or intent, and likely very consistent as well, where a physical activity might just be, "Hey, once in a while on Saturday, we'll do a pickup basketball game, and I'm going to do some stretching in front of my couch while I watch American Idol." That's the difference.