Fitness
Fitness is a desirable state for a great many reasons. Yet many people will not make the necessary effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle of exercise and good nutrition. It is encouraging to note that more people are incorporating physical activity into their daily lives and thus are reaping the benefits.
Fitness as a state of general mental and physical well-being is possible for people of all ages. The only catch is fitness levels are dependent on your life habits. Fitness is not a guaranteed state but requires the individual to include in their daily routine habits that allow them to be physically active. Regular exercise and proper nutrition reward you with good health, increased energy and a happier disposition.
In 2000, The Center For Disease Control determined that the second actual leading cause of death was physical inactivity and poor diet choices. Four of the top five leading causes of death in the United States are heart disease, diabetes, cancer and stroke. All of the above diseases are directly linked with physical inactivity.
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A high level of fitness is important because it also contributes to the quality of life. The body adapts to stresses imposed upon it. The less one does, the less the body will be capable of doing. Lack of physical activity causes a phenomenon called disuse atrophy, a condition where the body begins to deteriorate because of non-use. This non-use will create many health problems as your body becomes weaker and will reduce your ability to fight off even simple colds or viruses.
Fitness brings healthy growth and development of children. Other benefits are healthy body weight, positive self-esteem, improved performance and a greater sense of well-being. Young people who are physically active are less likely to use tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs. Problems of juvenile delinquency can decrease when appropriate physical activity programs are available.
Regular physical activity and higher levels of fitness allow daily tasks to be accomplished with greater ease and comfort and with less fatigue. Functional decline with advancing age is no longer acceptable as an excuse, as research shows that nearly one half of the decline between the ages of 30 and 70 is due not to aging itself, rather to an inactive way of life.
Fitness and exercise are crucial to successful aging. A no-exercise lifestyle is a major health risk. Exercise is fitness medicine. Fitness medicine prevents loss of function by promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors. It brings about positive changes to reduce human and financial losses associated with chronic diseases. The impact of fitness medicine is both healing and preventive. It is self-health care that regenerates the body and
rekindles the spirit. It adds years to your life and life to your years.
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