The Importance Of Fitness by John Mac
Did you know that if you are physically inactive that you
increase your risk of heart disease by the same amount as if you
smoked ? In the UK it is estimated that 70% of the adult
population can be classed as physically inactive. In the US 60%
of adults do not participate in the recommended level of
physical activity & 25% are not active at all. In Australia 33%
of the population are said to be so inactive that they gain no
health benefits at all & the risk to the community from their
physical inactivity, and therefore lack of fitness, is great.
For thousands of years physical activity and your level of
fitness have been linked to good health. Due to the advance of
science in this day & age this link can be proven, with
overwhelming evidence that people who lead active lifestyles are
less likely to die early or to experience major illnesses such
as heart disease, diabetes & colon cancer.
Fitness is therefore a major, if not the major, factor in the
type of health you are likely to enjoy. Regular exercise will
improve your level of fitness and improve the way you look and
feel. In conjunction with a balanced diet regular activity can
help you maintain a healthy weight. It can even increase self
confidence and reduce the risk of depression.
In order to maintain ones fitness it is recommended that you
should use up approx 200 calories per day for most days of the
week. This equates to 30 minutes of exercise which can be all in
one go or even in 3 10 minute stints.
Here are some suggestions to help maintain your fitness.
Walk up the stairs (even part of the way) instead of taking the
elevator. Walk up moving escalators. For short journeys leave
the car and walk. Do the house work at twice the speed. Try DIY
such as painting or do some gardening such as raking the leaves.
Get off the bus or subway a couple of stops early and walk the
rest of the way.
Here are some benefits you will get from improved fitness
through exercise.
Increased levels of HDL or "good" cholesterol. Lower high blood
pressure. Help improve body composition by burning fat. Promote
healthy blood sugar levels. Promote bone density. Boost the
immune system. Improve mood and reduce the chance of depression.
Improving your level of fitness needn't be hard work, find some
activity that you enjoy, maybe with your partner, family or
friends. Stay motivated, keep a diary of your activities so you
can look back and see how far you have come. Post inspirational
quotes or stories at work or around the home. Set goals, both
long and short term, rather than say you want to be fit for the
summer, commit to going to the gym or aerobic class at least
once a week.
Goals should be SMART Specific Measureable Achievable Realistic
Time based
Picture where you want to be, maybe competing in a local fun run
or race, get out an old pair of jeans or a dress that no longer
fits & picture yourself wearing them/it.
Remember that exercise releases chemicals to the brain such as
serotonin which has a great effect on your mood, helping to
reduce anxiety, stress and depression. So even if you don't feel
like exercising, remind yourself that you will feel better after.
(c) John Mac 2006
About the author:
John Mac is Author & Owner of
http://www.fitnessdiethealth.com a
website designed to help people improve their fitness, diet &
health.
