When it comes to health and fitness, there are many misconceptions out there. Most people think that being healthy and being fit are one and the same, when in reality they can be completely separate things. You can be fit and not be very healthy, or you can be unhealthy and still have great fitness levels. The key to achieving both is finding a balance that works for you.
The biggest difference between the two is that health is a state of total physical, mental and social well-being, not just the absence of disease or infirmity. Being physically active is important to maintain this, but so is getting enough rest and reducing stress. It also involves having a good diet, which is an area where a lot of people struggle with.
Fitness is an overall term used to describe a person’s body composition, agility, endurance, strength, and flexibility. It is usually achieved through regular exercise and a balanced eating plan. Having good physical fitness can significantly reduce the risk of developing diseases like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer. It can also help with mental health and mood, by lowering anxiety and depression, and improving sleep quality.
There is a vast amount of research that proves the benefits of physical activity on our bodies and minds. It can prevent or treat conditions such as osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, and many other chronic health issues. It can also improve the quality of life, reducing pain and increasing mobility. It can also help with mental health and wellbeing, by reducing the risk of depression and boosting self-esteem.
It is important to note that if you are already suffering from any of these health issues, it is always best to seek medical advice before beginning any exercise program. However, the benefits of getting physical are far greater than the risks, so it is worth making the effort to incorporate regular exercise into your lifestyle.
Start with baby steps if you are new to exercise, and work up to a few daily activities. This could be as simple as walking up and down the stairs at your office, taking a walk around your neighborhood, or playing with your children. This will give you a feel for what fitness is and will set you up for success.
A great way to stay motivated is to surround yourself with others who are working toward their own health and fitness goals. Find a support group that you can meet up with on a weekly basis to hold each other accountable. This will help keep you on track and blast through your fitness goals much faster than going it alone!
It is also important to remember that progress takes time, so be patient and stick with it. Sometimes the scales may not show any progress, but your body will be thanking you for all that hard work when you are feeling healthier and stronger.