Before you can consider what is so important about fitness, you first need to consider what fitness is. Although there are many components related to fitness, there are a few that stand out as the most important. Here you will find the five basic components of physical fitness.
What Is Fitness?
Simply stated, fitness is the ability to perform physical activity. However, having adequate energy to go through your day and to be in a state of overall health is also a part of being fit. Both physical exercise and diet are important components of fitness. There are many reasons to get and stay fit. Let’s look a the most important ones.
Increased Energy
Having energy for daily activities is vital to happiness. Have you ever been at work and felt that you could fall asleep at any moment if you just closed your eyes? Or, perhaps your job is to take care of small children. Do you frequently feel as if you are just going through the motions and you are not able to enjoy the pleasant moments because you are just too tired? Building up your energy reserves is a great way to improve your overall state of well-being and happiness. With the proper amount of energy, you will have more ability to share yourself with others, be more productive at work and have more time for your hobbies and leisure time activities.
Lowered Risk Of Illness and Disease
When you are fit, your body is in a positive or even an ideal state. If you are not fit, you put your body at risk. The diseases most frequently associated with lack of fitness are: coronary heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. By having a well-balanced diet and getting enough exercise, you will be decreasing your chances of contracting a serious illness.
Better Sleep
If you find yourself not getting at least 7 hours of sleep, you are putting yourself at risk for illness and being overweight. To combat your sleep issues, try going to bed an hour earlier than usual and turning off the tv at least an hour before you turn in. Also, don’t exercise right before going to sleep. Try a cup of soothing, herbal tea to calm your mind and body while you get ready for bed. Another great way to enhance your ability to get a good night’s sleep is to keep the same schedule, even on weekends. Your body will adapt to the schedule and you will begin to get sleepy when your bedtime is near.
Less Stress
We all have stress, but some people are better at dealing with it than others. It is important to control your response to stress because it is a known risk factor for weight gain. A good way to help you de-stress is by using meditation, yoga and exercise.
Higher Self-Confidence
Being fit is more than just a health issue. When you look good, you feel good. If you are in shape, you will certainly carry yourself in a more confident way. When you perceive yourself as fit, you are much more likely to engage in healthy behaviors, including working out regularly, eating a well-balanced diet and treating yourself with respect.
How To Get Fit
Even if you are not at your best yet, there are plenty of ways to become fit! If you have some weight to lose, choose a diet plan that fits in with your lifestyle. This will increase your chances of success. Work out regularly, get plenty of sleep and reduce your stress with meditation, yoga and exercise. The most important way to make sure you are healthy is to choose a strategy that you can easily maintain.