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Physical Fitness: Benefits, Facts, and Resources

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What is Physical Fitness?

Physical fitness is the exertion of energy while moving or doing certain movements. It is the ability to do a strenuous activity over a length of time or a combination of several components rather than one specific exercise.

The following components make up the definition of physical fitness: speed, coordination, power, balance, coordination and time reaction. It is possible to possess one aspect of physical fitness, but not another, such as someone who would have a strong cardiovascular system, but weaker upper body strength. Good physical fitness allows an individual to carry out the day’s activities without getting fatigued.

Why is Physical Fitness Important?

Physical fitness helps our bodies look and feel our best. People who participate in some form of exercise sleep better, get sick less often, keep their minds sharp and their bones strong, not to mention their attitude in tune. These people typically live a longer and healthier life, along with helping to control their weight. Studies have shown in general physical fitness helps with having more strength, stamina and energy. Even a short amount of exercise in a day improves a sedentary lifestyle. For an individual to be in the best health physical fitness should be a daily part of one’s life.

Why is Fitness so Important to Our Overall Health?

Fitness keeps us healthy and sharp by engaging our brains and bodies. Studies have shown that people who participate in a sport or take time out of the day to move and engage their bodies lead happier and more productive lives. Every time we exercise we take in fresh oxygen, our heart pumps faster, and fresh blood courses through our veins. Regular exercise makes our heart stronger and helps prevent heart disease. It also controls our blood sugar levels and prevents diabetes. A good workout releases endorphins, which in turn make us feel happier.

Why is Fitness Important for Teenagers?

Fitness is important for teenagers to keep them interested in taking care of their bodies and promoting a healthy self-image. One of the best benefits of exercise is helping to control weight which in teenagers is extremely important. In the teen years children are struggling to find themselves. Belonging to a team such as basketball, baseball, or soccer instills in teens the confidence to be a part of the team. This confidence, along with regular practice, keeps the physical fitness aspect strong and the teens mentally ready for anything. They feel better about themselves and have fun in the process.

Why is Fitness Important for the Elderly?

Exercise for the elderly promotes conditioning, along with better health and helps avoid chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, joint issues and depression. Many of the benefits are a better sleep pattern, a stronger immune system, muscle tone, and social interaction to help keep depression away. The elderly are more apt to want to participate in family functions and keep a social network going. If fitness becomes a regular part of their daily routine it will be more productive and help them live a longer, fuller life.

What are the Components of Personal Fitness?

Personal fitness is a desire and goal-driven to be the best person that you can be through fitness and personal enrichment. It refers to the body’s level of performance and the ability to function optimally. Fitness instructors use the components of personal fitness to design balanced workouts for their clients with exercise and nutrition. The components include strength, endurance, flexibility, nutrition, and mind health. All these components together ensure the individual to achieve the perfect balance. Good nutrition is one of the most important aspects because if you don’t have the energy your body requires then exercise won’t be achievable.

What are the Five Areas of Fitness?

The five areas of fitness are coordination, balance, speed, power and agility.
Coordination: is the use of some or all of your body parts
Balance: is the timing to keep your body in prospective with your mind
Speed: to cover a distance in a short period of time
Power: the energy to use your strength quickly
Agility: a quick response to change your position

Resources about Physical Fitness

The Exercise and Physical Fitness page, brought to you by the Department of Kinesiology and Health at Georgia State University. Our goal is to provide research-based exercise and fitness information.

Collection of Websites containing varied information about physical fitness for kids. Many sites offer information about physical fitness activities for children. Articles provide information about childhood obesity, illness, injury, and other issues relating to physical fitness for kids

Preschoolers and Physical Fitness

Healthierus.gov

The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition (PCFSN) mission is to engage, educate and empower all Americans across the lifespan to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and good nutrition.

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I am a fanatic when it comes to fitness and nutrition. I enjoy going to the gym, working out, hiking, camping, and overall just learning how to stay happy and healthy.

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