A person’s health and fitness can make a big difference in how he or she lives life. Regular exercise reduces the risk of many common diseases and improves mental well being. A healthy diet and proper sleep are also important to maintaining good health.
The American College of Sports Medicine defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” A person can be very fit but still not have optimal health. A marathon runner or NFL lineman, for example, might be highly physically fit but may suffer from depression or drug dependencies.
Most people understand the importance of getting enough exercise, but some do not have enough time to devote to exercising or find the types of exercises they enjoy doing. They might feel intimidated by a gym or dislike the idea of long, repetitive workouts. There are some easy steps that can be taken to increase the amount of physical activity a person gets each week.
Aerobic exercise, which is any type of exercise that raises your heart rate and causes you to breathe faster, is essential for all ages. This can include brisk walking, swimming, biking, aerobic dancing or even mowing the lawn. Exercise that is intense enough to cause you to sweat but not so strenuous that you cannot talk easily is considered moderate intensity exercise.
Strength training, which builds muscles by using resistance, is another important part of a fitness routine. It is recommended that you do muscle-strengthening exercises on all major groups of your body at least twice a week. This includes using weight machines, your own body weight, resistance tubing and aerobic stretching.
Flexibility and mobility, which allow your joints to move through their full range of motion, are important components of fitness as well. You can increase flexibility by practicing yoga, stretching while you watch TV or take a class in dance or martial arts. Mobility is enhanced by activities such as gardening, taking a leisurely walk and playing tennis or basketball.
In addition to helping people meet the recommended weekly amount of physical activity, exercise can also help manage some chronic medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. People with these conditions should discuss their participation in physical activity with a doctor or nurse.
Local governments, businesses and schools can play a role in promoting physical fitness by providing opportunities for people to get exercise. For example, parks and recreation departments can offer a wide variety of activities and facilities. Public transportation also promotes physical fitness by allowing people to walk to and from their destinations. Private organizations can help by offering incentives for their employees to be active and by hosting exercise programs at work. Schools can offer children and teens physical education and athletic facilities. Even law enforcement has a role to play in community health by keeping neighborhoods safe, which makes people feel more confident about walking around outside.