Physical Fitness
It Affects All Aspects of Our Lives

Physical fitness affects every part of our lives. To manage our lives efficiently, our bodies must be able to meet all the demands placed on them. To be tired all the time and have trouble meeting our demands can get in the way our happiness and success.

Studies have shown that an employee’s effectiveness is related to their physical health. Our physical condition also affects our ability to respond to others in a positive way. We may have some physical weaknesses that cannot be entirely overcome, but let’s admit it – most of us could be more fit than we are.

Physical fitness is defined differently by different people. To some it may be defined as having large muscles. Some define it as not having any diseases. But most experts today are defining fitness in terms of cardiovascular endurance.

A strong heart that is able to meet the demands placed on it is considered in good condition. True fitness is determined by the condition of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.

There are at least three areas where we should develop healthy habits. We should get proper exercise, get proper rest, and eat a well-balanced diet.

Regular physical activity provides many benefits to our bodies. Here are some fitness tips, including benefits of exercise and how exercise affects the body systems:

Exercise Strengthens the Muscles.
Stronger muscles provide better support for the skeletal system. Strong, firm muscles hold the bones of the body in their proper position, decreasing the stress and damage that can result from bad posture. Back pain and stiffness may be largely due to inactivity. Additionally, with proper posture of the spine, the head, arms, and legs can move more easily. Proper exercise keeps the entire body limber. Muscles and joints that are hardly ever used tend to be stiff and inflexible. Adequate activity also helps maintain bone strength. Starting at about age twenty, the bones begin to weaken. Regular exercise can help stop this decline and prevent the brittleness and fragility of bones that often accompanies old age.

Exercise Effects Our Metabolism.
Exercise strengthens our bodies and helps them function more efficiently. Exercise uses up calories, usually without causing an increase in appetite. Many people who exercise find that they eat less than those who do not. Exercise and moderation of eating habits can work well together to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.

Exercise Improves the Nerves.
Vigorous exercise improves overall coordination. It also releases nervous tension and stimulates and clears the mind. Many people set aside a certain time each day for daily exercise that helps them to gain a fresh perspective on life, or simply to relax. Physical exercise tires the muscles and releases tension and so helps most people sleep better.

All of these areas contribute to having a healthy cardiovascular system – which is critical to our quality of life.

Whether you decide to join a 24 hour fitness center or simply buy a jump rope (which gives you a great aerobic exercise workout burning on average 11 calories per minute!) and do it at home, it is important to make it something you enjoy and can stick with.

I have lifted weights for many years. The benefits of weight lifting are huge to your overall health and well-being.

1. Weight lifting helps you lose fat. You actually condition your body to burn fat 24/7.
2. You feel strong and fit.
3. You have more energy.
4. You have everyday functional strength.
5. You can train at home. (I use free weights.)
6. You can get rid of pain.( I eliminated knee pain after I started doing squats years ago. I spend a lot of time on the computer; weight lifting helps relieve the painful knots I get in my back.)
7. You build stronger bones. This is the best defense against osteoporosis.

Consistency with your physical fitness activities is key to reaping the benefits. We only get one body. It's a good idea to take very good care of it.

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