Physical Fitness: Do You Really Need It

We all know that physical exercise is good for our health and helps us to lose weight, be in shape…but actually there is a whole range of other benefits too. Being physically fit has a great impact on how you feel and how well you handle problems of everyday living.

Technically, physical fitness refers to muscular strength and endurance, muscle tone, heart action and response to activity, agility, balance, coordination and so on. But fitness is also a personal thing. It is how we feel when we get up in the morning, how tired or fresh we are after a hard day's work; how eagerly we look forward to doing those things which we all like to do - going for a party or a picnic- or those things we have to do - meet a deadline at work, cook lunch or handle the kids.

Research has shown that: • the physically fit person is able to withstand fatigue for longer periods than the unfit; • the physically fit person is better equipped to tolerate physical stress; • the physically fit person has a stronger and more efficient heart; and • there is a relationship between good mental alertness, absence of nervous tension and physical fitness.

Appearance
When you are physically fit, you have good muscle tone - your body has a better shape and your posture improves. Your skin receives the benefit of a natural facial. The connective tissues are strengthened, making the skin thicker and more elastic. Circulation to the skin is improved, which cleanses and gives a more even tone.

The improvement in your appearance will make you feel good about yourself and increase your confidence.
Sexual Fitness
With regular exercise, your general musculature is stronger, the joints are more supple and aerobic stamina greater - all of this can mean a better sexual experience.
Mental Health
Normal adults should participate in a total of 30 minutes of moderate physical exercise daily, accumulated in short bouts (about 10 minutes each) throughout the day.

Groups of people who are physically active tend to have better mental health. When compared to inactive groups, those who were physically active had higher scores for positive self-concept, more self-esteem and more positive "moods". These trends appear to be similar in both young people and adults. Physical activity has also been used in treatment programs for mental health problems such as depression.

The results of a recent study suggest that exercising for 10 minutes at an aerobic level of 60% (of maximum heart rate) is sufficient for increasing vigor, decreasing fatigue, and decreasing total negative mood state.

When you exercise, pent up energy is released which leaves you feeling calmer. Your ability to tolerate stress increases, you feel less fatigue and more vitality. The ability to fall asleep improves, as does the capacity for more restful sleep.

Despite the need for physical activity, only 22 percent of adults engage regularly in light to moderate physical activity for 30 minutes five or more times per week and 24 percent or more are sedentary (i.e., reporting no leisure time physical activity in the past month).

Current recommendations suggest that to experience positive fitness and health benefits, normal adults should participate in a total of 30 minutes of moderate physical exercise daily, accumulated in short bouts (about 10 minutes each) throughout the day.

Despite knowing about the benefits of exercise, most people find it difficult to find the time and motivation to exercise regularly. It would help to find something that one enjoys and can fit into one's routine.

Participating in as little as 30 minutes of moderate-intense physical activities, like golf, tennis, walking, dancing, swimming, gardening, and actively playing with children, can result in better health. Even intermittent activity throughout the day like walking up the stairs rather than taking the elevator, walking instead of driving short distances, doing callisthenics, or pedalling a stationary cycle while watching television can benefit health.

Why don't you start today?