Fitness is a state of being physically healthy and having the physical ability to engage in a variety of daily activities without undue fatigue or injury. It is also a way of life and includes diet, exercise and sleep patterns. Researchers are learning more about the connection between health and fitness every day.
Physical activity helps reduce the risk of many chronic health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. It also improves mental health by reducing stress levels, increasing mood and improving sleep. Regular exercise may also help prevent cancer by lowering the chance of developing tumors and decreasing the likelihood of their spread.
Despite these benefits, many people do not get enough exercise. In fact, it is estimated that only 30 percent of adults get the recommended amount of physical activity each week. Fortunately, it is not difficult to be more fit, and the health advantages are significant.
The five health-related components of fitness are cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition. Cardiovascular endurance is the ability of your heart and lungs to supply oxygen and energy for sustained physical activity. It is the foundation of all fitness, and it can be improved by exercising regularly and progressively increasing intensity and duration over time.
Muscular strength is the ability of a muscle or group of muscles to exert force repeatedly and resist fatigue. It is important for everyday activities such as climbing stairs and carrying heavy loads. It can be increased by exercise such as weight training, bodyweight exercises, and using elastic exercise bands. Flexibility is the ability to move a joint or series of joints through their full range of motion. It can be improved by stretching and by exercising regularly and progressively increasing the range of motion over time.
Body composition is the proportion of fat, muscle, and bone mass in your body. A person who has too much fat can increase their risk of certain diseases and illnesses, such as heart disease and diabetes. On the other hand, an excess of muscle can impair mobility and lead to a loss of bone density.
The relationship between health and fitness is complex. While it is not possible to determine exactly how many hours of physical activity are needed to achieve a healthy lifestyle, studies have shown that those who are more active have a lower risk for premature death. In addition, regular physical activity increases muscle strength and balance, and it can help reduce the risk of falls that may lead to broken bones as people age.