Meaning: 'Toll' means the amount of damage or suffering caused by something, in this case, a sedentary lifestyle.

Wrong options:

• picking: 'Picking' is a gerund that does not convey the negative impact on health and does not fit grammatically as a noun in this context.
• registered: 'Registered' is an adjective that does not relate to the consequences of a lifestyle and does not fit the grammatical structure.
• substantial: 'Substantial' is an adjective that describes something significant, but it does not fit as a noun in this context.
• break: 'Break' is a noun that refers to a pause or interruption, which does not convey the negative impact on health.
• stepping: 'Stepping' is a gerund that does not fit as a noun and does not convey the intended meaning of impact.
• ease: 'Ease' is a noun that refers to comfort or freedom from difficulty, which does not fit the context of negative consequences.

Correct answer: ease

Explanation: The term 'ease' is a verb that means to make something less severe or difficult. It fits grammatically as an action that can be taken to transition into more activity, aligning with the context of overcoming inactivity.

Meaning: 'Ease' means to make something easier or to facilitate a smoother transition.

Wrong options:

• picking: 'Picking' is a gerund that implies selecting something, which does not fit the context of transitioning into activity.
• registered: 'Registered' is an adjective that does not convey an action related to increasing activity and does not fit grammatically.
• substantial: 'Substantial' is an adjective that describes something significant, but it does not fit as a verb in this context.
• break: 'Break' is a noun that refers to a pause, which does not convey the action of transitioning into activity.
• stepping: 'Stepping' is a gerund that implies taking steps, but it does not fit as a verb that indicates easing into activity.

Correct answer: stepping

Explanation: The word 'stepping' is a gerund that refers to the action of increasing the pace of housework. It fits grammatically as it complements the structure of the sentence and aligns with the context of becoming more active.

Meaning: 'Stepping' refers to the act of taking steps or increasing pace, particularly in the context of activity.

Wrong options:

• picking: 'Picking' is a gerund that implies selecting something, which does not fit the context of increasing activity in housework.
• registered: 'Registered' is an adjective that does not relate to the action of housework and does not fit grammatically.
• substantial: 'Substantial' is an adjective that describes something significant, but it does not fit as a gerund in this context.
• break: 'Break' is a noun that refers to a pause, which does not convey the action of increasing activity.
• ease: 'Ease' is a noun that refers to comfort, which does not fit as a gerund indicating action.

Correct answer: substantial

Explanation: The term 'substantial' is an adjective that describes the significant health benefits provided by the activity. It fits grammatically as it modifies the noun 'benefits' and aligns with the context of discussing the positive outcomes of increased activity.

Meaning: 'Substantial' means considerable in amount or importance, indicating significant health benefits.

Wrong options:

• picking: 'Picking' is a gerund that does not fit as an adjective to describe benefits and does not convey the intended meaning.
• registered: 'Registered' is an adjective that does not relate to the magnitude of benefits and does not fit grammatically.
• ease: 'Ease' is a noun that refers to comfort, which does not fit as an adjective describing the benefits.
• break: 'Break' is a noun that refers to a pause, which does not convey the significance of health benefits.
• stepping: 'Stepping' is a gerund that does not fit as an adjective and does not describe the benefits.