The terms health and fitness are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between them. While health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being, fitness is the ability to perform physical activities in a good way. Having good health and fitness helps in the prevention of diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and many others. Regular exercise and healthy eating habits are important for achieving health and fitness.
A person’s health and fitness is influenced by their genetics, age, lifestyle and diet. A person’s health and fitness can be improved by following a healthy eating plan, engaging in regular physical activity and getting adequate sleep. People with good health and fitness are able to perform their daily activities easily without feeling tired or being sick.
People who have poor health and fitness are at risk of developing many chronic diseases that can be prevented by making positive changes to their diet and lifestyle, such as reducing refined sugar intake, limiting alcohol consumption and smoking. They are also at greater risk of injury and illness due to a sedentary lifestyle and lack of proper strength training.
It’s recommended that adults should do at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity across the week. This type of exercise improves muscular strength and bone density, maintains a healthy body weight, reduces hypertension and can help prevent cardiovascular diseases and some cancers.
Exercise is any bodily movement that requires energy expenditure, including walking, cycling, wheeling and sports, as well as active recreation and play. It can be done by anyone, at any level of skill or fitness and is a key ingredient in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
In addition to lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes, increased fitness can also boost your mood and reduce stress levels. It can also help to prevent sarcopenia in older people, strengthen bones and muscles, lower the risk of osteoporosis, maintain a healthy body weight, improve breathing and circulation, boost self-esteem, and increase quality of life.
Creating and focusing on SMART goals is an effective way to keep you motivated on your fitness journey. These goals should be specific, measurable, actionable, realistic and time-bound. Having a supportive peer group can also motivate you to stick with your healthy lifestyle. Luckily, with the rise of social media, finding a community that shares your health and fitness goals is easier than ever before.
While it’s important to find an activity you enjoy, don’t be afraid to experiment with different classes, apps, and workouts. It may take some trial and error to discover what works for you, but once you do, it will be worth the effort! You can even try using rewards to get you in the habit of exercising regularly. However, make sure the rewards don’t include junk food or anything else that will set you back on your health and fitness journey.