Exercise is a key ingredient in overall health and well-being. It may surprise some that fitness is so easy. It’s not always easy to see the fitness levels of someone. I have participated in many races, walks, and rides. It is not always the strongest looking people that are having a great finish. Even if you don’t feel like you’re physically fit, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t. Cardio fitness is key! A strong and healthy heart is the key to success. A strong heart will lead to weight loss, stronger bones, and greater lung capacity.
WHAT DOES “FIT” MEAN?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines physical fitness as “the ability to perform daily tasks with vigor and awareness, without undue fatigue and with sufficient energy to enjoy leisure-time activities and respond to emergency situations.” Many people feel tired after walking to work or shopping. No longer is our life designed to keep us physically fit. In the past, living meant that you had to be active. This was because we had to work hard at building and maintaining our physical fitness. People didn’t have the time or energy to become unhealthy. They didn’t have time to sit around and become unfit, unless they were dying. This evolutionary phenomenon is covered in great detail by Chris Crowley (MD) and Henry Lodge (MD) in their book, Younger Next year.
WHY IS FITNESS SO IMPORTANT
Many Americans are living sedentary lives and it is more important to get regular exercise than ever. Regular exercise and improving your cardio fitness will help reduce your risk of developing many diseases. Heart disease is the leading cause for death in the United States. Diabetes, stroke, colon cancer, and other diseases are also reduced. Exercise can also increase lung capacity and allow for more oxygen to the brain. Exercise can also improve flexibility and joint health. Another reason people exercise is to lose weight. These effects can help reduce the effects of ageing on our bodies and increase our lives by many years.
Exercise has many mental benefits, in addition to its physical benefits. Endorphins are released into the bloodstream by exercise, which can help lower stress levels and improve mood. Research has shown that exercise can even be beneficial for mild depression. Regular exercise can improve self-esteem and attitudes toward life. They are more alert at night and have more energy during the day. They also have better memories, according to studies.
Another surprising benefit of exercising is the ability to connect with others through group exercise. Even if you exercise once in a while, it is important to have regular social interactions. This can help with your mental health. Mom & Baby exercise classes are a great example. Many new mothers feel overwhelmed and isolated. Many mothers long for someone to talk to during the day. Mom & Baby classes are a great way for new moms and dads to connect, exercise, and have adult conversation. It’s also a great place for babies to socialize!
WHAT TYPES OF EXERCISE ARE NECESSARY FOR FITNESS?
For many years, debate has raged over the amount of exercise that is required. Sources suggest that you should exercise at least half an hour per day, five days per week. Some say that you can begin with just 5-10 minutes per day, or even a few times per week to gain some benefits. You will reap the most benefits if you do some exercise each day. You will notice a difference in your ability to exercise and your stamina. It is much easier to keep motivated once you start to see the benefits.
IS IT AN EXTRAORDINARY THING?
Yes. Some people can become addicted or obsessed with exercise. Anorexia Nervosa is a condition in which exercise is used excessively in conjunction with other things to lose weight. This exercise use is considered a mental illness. It is not something that most people are susceptible to. Recent studies have shown that endurance training can be detrimental to the heart. This was demonstrated in people who have participated in marathons, ultramarathons and Ironman triathlons. It is not something that the average exerciser should worry about. The current guidelines for fitness are 150 minutes of moderate exercise and 75 minutes of vigorous exercise.
What’s the difference between LOW IMPACT and HIGH IMPACT?
The terms Low and High Impact exercise can be used to describe the intensity of a workout. There is more to it than this. Impact level is also a measure of how far your feet have risen off the ground. Because one foot is always on the ground while you are hiking or using an elliptical machine, a low-impact activity is considered. This means that there is minimal to no impact on your bone structure. Running where your feet touch the ground, even for a fraction of a second, can have a more severe impact on your skeleton. Other low impact activities include swimming and cycling. These activities are ideal for people with joint issues or those who are new to exercise. High impact exercises like running and jump roping don’t cause a significant increase in heart rate. High-impact exercise can be a great cardio workout, and it has been proven to increase bone density. For those with bone and joint problems, high impact exercise should not be done.
It is essential for overall health and well-being to be active and fit. I am borrowing from Nike to say, “Just do it!” You will see the benefits immediately after you start, especially in terms of your mental health. You can be patient with yourself, and remember that every bit of help is important in your journey to wellness.
