2009 July

Let’s Examine the Importance of Health Related Fitness

1181363_woman_jogging_blur Health related fitness is more than just working out to look good. It’s definitely about more than fitting into your bikini by the 4th of July. Health related fitness involves keeping fit to ensure better overall health. This applies to your cardiovascular health, your weight, and the prevention of many diseases and afflictions linked to a sedentary lifestyle.

Health related fitness is crucial. People often only think of getting fit as an aesthetic goal. They forget that fitness is important for a range of health benefits, not just for looking good. People wanting to get fit may find their fitness regimen easier to stick with if they recognize all of the important benefits of health related fitness.

Studies show that people who exercise or diet only to lose weight are less likely to keep the weight off than people who do it for additional general health benefits and to live a healthier lifestyle. This is because once you reach a weight loss goal it is easy to celebrate and relax. When you realize that the benefits of a healthy weight far outlast a smaller belt size you are more likely to think of your diet and exercise changes as a lifestyle rather than a temporary situation.

The importance of health related fitness isn’t just for adults either. Children and the elderly also have to pay attention to what they eat and their activity levels. The elderly can ward off pain and afflictions like osteoporosis with regular strength training. Workout programs like Tony & the Folks are created specifically for this age group, allowing older people to get a regular workout in the comfort of their own home.

Children are also suffering from the obesity epidemic. Kids aren’t as active as they once were. They depend on their parents to teach them the importance of health related fitness, and too often we fail to follow through on this. Take a look at Shaun T’s Fit Kids Club to give kids a fun way to get fit.

The importance of health related fitness is way beyond helping adults get sexy. It’s about living a healthy lifestyle and preparing to live a long life. Making fitness and a healthy diet regular aspects of your life will give you long lasting positive effects.

The Five Components of Physical Fitness

j0385755 There are many angles and goals of physical fitness. However, there are five components of fitness that create a well rounded and truly “fit” person. If you concentrate on these five aspects you will find that your overall health and wellness improves. While focusing on one and not the others can provide benefits, your fitness potential isn’t truly realized until you are addressing all five.

The first of the five components of fitness is one that has often received the most attention, cardiovascular endurance. Exercise, particularly for women, has centered around cardio health for a long time. This refers to how well your heart and lungs work together to provide oxygen to the body, particularly during workouts.

The second in the five components of fitness is muscular endurance. This refers to how long your muscles can do a repeated action before tiring. Things that require repetitive movement like cycling and running are both cardio and muscular endurance activities.

Muscular strength is next in the five components of fitness. It’s obvious that this refers to the ability of the muscles to lift, pull, or maintain control over weight. Things like strength training provide good gains in muscular strength.

Often overlooked is the fourth in the five components of fitness, stretching or flexibility. Flexibility keeps the muscles loose and can prevent injury. Things like regular stretching, yoga, an pilates are good tools to use when trying to improve flexibility.

Last in the five components of fitness is body composition or the ratio of fat within the body. This is a good indicator of overall physical health and can also determine the risk of other diseases. By keeping your body fat within an acceptable range, you can ensure optimum health.

The five components of fitness are each unique and each provide you with health benefits beyond measure. By addressing all five aspects of fitness you ensure you are taking care of your body in a well rounded manner.