What explains the discrepancy when the client has been physically active, but receives few health promoting physical activity points

Answer:

The most typical explanation for the ”discrepancy” is that the heart rate during the physical activity has been so low that it does not fulfill the criteria of health promoting physical activity (HPPA). HPPA is determined as time periods during which oxygen uptake was over 40 % of estimated maxVO2 for at least 4 minutes consecutively. Thus, for example short interval type exercises, weight training, Pilates or yoga, or very light intensity endurance activities (e.g. walking the dog) are often not of sufficient aerobic intensity to have a significant health effect on the cardiovascular system. 

However, a comprehensive exercise program should include a variety of different types of exercise, and it’s good to remind the client of this. The Lifestyle Assessment report only rates the health effects of aerobic / heart rate increasing exercise.