A healthy body and a positive attitude is something everyone yearns for. To achieve the two it is of vital importance to maintain an appropriate level of health and fitness which is determined by the way we live our lives, what we eat, what methods we employ to keep ourselves physically fit as well as our choice of leisure pursuits.
The importance of staying fit
Physical fitness provides increased levels of energy and vitality.
Being fit improves the quality of life and helps maintain a good standard of health, which delays or prevents different degenerative diseases.
Various forms of exercise used to attain fitness help reduce stress, control weight and shape of the body.
Being physically fit makes one feel good.
Fitness
Methods Used to Attain Fitness
There are three basic components of fitness:
Weight Training;
Cardiovascular or aerobic workout;
Flexibility component
Weight Training
Lifting weights is an ideal way to stay fit. This form of exercise helps raise the body's metabolism, strengthens bones, increases muscular endurance, improves circulation and balance and increases self-esteem and confidence.
The muscles are the best calorie-burning tissues in the body and hence it is very important for weight control. Therefore, the more muscle we have, the better we are at burning calories. That's why weight training exercises are so important.
Cardiovascular workout
Cardiovascular or aerobic is the best type of exercise for lowering blood pressure, reducing serum cholesterol and helping alleviate and build resistance to stress - all significant factors in reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. This form of physical activity is also helpful in controlling weight, keeping the body fit and making the heart stronger and more efficient. This term is generally used to refer to any exercise that helps use oxygen more efficiently by reaching and maintaining the target heart range, which is the safest range of heart beats per minute during exercise. Some examples are jogging, aerobics.
Flexibility component
Flexibility is needed for greater mobility along with relief from stiffness and stress. It can help alleviate chronic back pain, shoulder pain, headaches, bad posture, fatigue, etc. Some examples are yoga and stretching exercises.
Lynn Alex is a Certified Nutritional Consultant, Weight-Loss and Anti-Aging Consultant, Yoga Teacher and Life-Skills Coach. Check out her coaching programs to reach your nutrition and weight loss goals and realize your full potential. Subscribe to the e-zine "Be Empowered" and receive a free report. Visit the websites http://www.nutrifitpower.com and http://www.pathstopower.net for more details.
