Physical Fitness
For Wellness and Wellbeing

Physical fitness can be looked at in two ways: general fitness (a state of health and well-being) and specific fitness (the ability to perform specific aspects of sports, occupations or simple routine life activities.

It is the result of regular exercise, proper diet and nutrition, and proper rest for recovery.

Exercise is the manual activity that develops or maintains our fitness level and overall health which can strengthen muscles and the cardiovascular system as well as hone athletic skills.

Frequent and regular exercise can boost the immune system and help prevent diseases, such as heart disease, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and obesity as well as improving one's mental health preventing depression.

Physical exercises are generally grouped into three types depending on the overall effect they have on the body:

• Flexibility exercises which improve the range of motion of muscles and joints, such as stretching, pilates, or Tai chi chuan.
• Aerobic exercises which focus on increasing cardiovascular endurance such as jogging or running, walking, cycling, hiking, and playing tennis.
• Anaerobic exercises to increase short-term muscle strength, such as strength training or functional training.

Exercise is important for maintaining physical fitness and can contribute positively to your body composition, maintaining a healthy weight; building and maintaining healthy bone density, muscle strength, and joint mobility; promoting physiological well-being; reducing surgical risks; and strengthening the immune system.

Both aerobic and anaerobic exercise work to increase the mechanical efficiency of the heart by increasing cardiac volume (aerobic exercise), or myocardial thickness (anaerobic exercise).

Even though you can guide your exercise intensity on your maximum heart rate for your age and fitness, there is still conflicting evidence as to whether vigorous exercise (more than 70% of VO2 Max) is more or less beneficial than moderate exercise (40 to 70% of VO2 Max).

And everyone does not benefit from exercise equally. There is a tremendous variation in individual response to training; where some people will see a moderate increase in endurance from aerobic exercise and others will as much as double their oxygen uptake.

Studies do show that exercising during middle age leads to a better physical ability later in life.

Physical fitness is determined by a regular and consistent physical exercise program which will take discipline and motivation.

Some keys to developing a regular exercise routine for yourself are:

• Find an affordable exercise activity which you enjoy and is readily available in your area for participation.
• Find a workout partner for motivation and accountability.
• Know your physical limits and limitations.
• Wear any and all safety equipment for the fitness activity chosen to avoid injury
• Vary your workout routine keeping it exciting.
• Try mixing some aerobic, anaerobic, and strength training in your routine always keeping it fresh.
• Involve as many people as you can in the activity.
• Always consult a doctor before any radical changes are made to your current exercise regimen.
• Do not exercise excessively. Every other day or 3 times a week is usually what most health experts suggest.
• Don't forget proper nutrition, adequate water intake, and rest are important components of your exercise routine.

Your physical fitness is determined by you through your direct actions and participation in exercise, nutrition and other daily habits. Fitness today will pay off tomorrow.

Physical fitness benefit people‘s physical and psychological wellbeing. Nutrition provides the needed molecules from food: the energy, the extra aids for the body to function and build. Find articles for Children, Teen, Women and Mens Health at "Life Time Fitness Nutrition"

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