An inactive lifestyle and lack of regular physical exercise can have adverse consequences on the human body, with significant long-term repercussions such as cancer, chronic diseases and mental health problems arising. Regular physical activity can help protect against such issues by helping the human body become healthier overall. Exercise can also prevent mental health issues which arise as a result of having too little energy available.
Fitness and Exercise refers to any physical activity which improves both health and fitness, from activities such as walking to more vigorous ones such as marathon running or speed swimming. Exercise offers many health advantages: helping control weight, decreasing risk for disease (like cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes), strengthening muscles and bones, improving mood and energy levels and prolonging life span.
The American College of Sports Medicine provides an in-depth online resource entitled The Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity that discusses its numerous health advantages. Even small amounts of physical activity can bring substantial health rewards; therefore it is wise to be realistic with their abilities and goals when beginning or increasing physical activity.
Physical activity includes all activities that move the body and use energy, such as sports, chores, active play with children or pets, gardening, yard work, dancing and household cleaning. Exercise is a structured program designed to promote and maintain health; daily physical activity forms an essential part of leading a healthy lifestyle, alongside good nutrition and stress management.
A well-rounded exercise program should include activities designed to address all major muscle groups and joints. Exercise and fitness experts typically suggest targeting 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, or about 30 minutes per session five times weekly – this can be broken up into shorter chunks such as two 15-minute workout sessions for individual success.
Warming up and cooling down are essential steps when engaging in exercise, or starting and ending an exercise session gradually. Warming up increases heart rate and blood flow to muscles while cooling down reduces how much energy is expended during a session – particularly important for older adults.
Some individuals may experience pain while exercising or afterward; this should not discourage anyone. People living with disabilities, arthritis or any medical condition which causes discomfort should consult their physician on safe ways of remaining physically active.
Exercise intensity varies between individuals, so it is wise to consult a healthcare provider regarding their fitness regimen in terms of intensity before beginning to engage. A healthcare provider may recommend an ideal starting point and assist in tracking an individual’s progression over time.
As well as exercise, an individual can boost his or her physical fitness through practicing good posture and using proper breathing techniques while working out. Diet and smoking cessation should also be prioritized to promote overall fitness and avoid injuries from workouts. It’s also essential that resting and recovering between workouts ensures you can get the most from each session and can maximize its positive impacts on overall health and fitness.
