Physical Fitness

We all have heard about the benefits of exercising on a regular basis, and the role that physical fitness plays in our overall mental and physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), physical fitness is defined as "a set of attributes that people have or achieve that relates to the ability to perform physical activity." Physical fitness is having good cardiac and respiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, proper body composition, and overall flexibility.

Types of Physical Workouts

If you're not sure where to start in developing your physical fitness plan, look to the internet and other self help resources and books, to find the basic information you need to get going and stick with it. You'll find lots of good information about the importance of physical activity, recommendations for various fitness levels, how to get started, measuring intensity, and the benefits of aerobic activity as well as strength training.

The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, located on the web at www.fitness.gov, encourages Americans to become physically active and participate in sports and other forms of regular exercise. It's no myth that overall physical fitness is the way to living a healthier and happier life. Even if you are just a beginner, there are lots of resources available to you. If the thought of going to the local gym intimidates you, then possibly you should consider investing in a home gym, treadmill, or other type of home exercise equipment. There are also lots of exercise DVDs and videos on the market, featuring aerobic and cardio workouts, yoga, Pilates, step routines, strength training, and body sculpting programs.

Physical fitness is not just a passing fad, and numerous physical fitness resources on the exercise programs in addition to taking advantage of routine health screenings. It's never too late, no matter what your age, or what type of chronic health conditions you may have. Physical fitness is the greatest contributor to overall mental, physical, and spiritual health. If you are not in general good health, consult your physician before starting any type of exercise program, especially if you have not been active previously.

In most cases, exercise is recommended for everyone, and can be tailored specifically for individual physical fitness needs. People of all ages should be encouraged to exercise on a regular basis, to incorporate it into the daily routine, to get in shape, and be healthier and happier!

Article by S.R. Harrison
An independent writer for Healthy Help Files on Fitness and Exercise Issues.

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