Physical fitness to the human body enables us to perform up to our potential. Fitness can be described as something that makes us look, feel and do our best. Physical fitness is required to keep your body healthy. A person who is fit is capable of living life to its fullest extent.
Physical fitness involves the performance of the heart and lungs, and the muscles of the body. And since what we do with our bodies also affects what we can do with our minds, fitness influences qualities such as emotional stability and mental alertness. Physical fitness is most easily understood by its three parts: Muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility.
Muscular strength is the ability of a muscle to put out force for a brief period of time. Upper body strength, for example, can be measured by various weight-lifting exercises. Muscular endurance is the ability of a muscle, or group of muscles, to sustain repeated contractions or to continue applying force against a fixed object. Pushups are often used to test endurance of arm and shoulder muscles.
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And flexibility is the ability to move joints and use muscles through their full range of motion. The sit and reach is a good measure of flexibility of the lower back and back of the upper legs. People who are physically fit are also healthier, are able to maintain their most optimum weight, and are also not prone to cardiac and other health problems.
Fitness does not only refer to being physically fit, but also refers to a person’s mental state as well. If a person is physically fit, but mentally unwell or troubled, he or she will not be able to function optimally. Mental fitness can only be achieved if your body is functioning well. You can help relax your own mind and eliminate stresses by exercising regularly and eating right.
In order to maintain a relaxed state of mind, a person should be physically active. A person who is fit both physically and mentally is strong enough to face the ups and downs of life, and is not affected by drastic changes if they take place. Becoming physically fit requires a change in lifestyle as well. You will have to incorporate a regular exercise routine in your life and also eat healthier.
By avoiding junk foods, Sodas, bad habits like smoking and alcohol and by getting adequate amounts of rest, you will be able to become physically and mentally fit. Just by eliminating all these food substances from your life, no matter how temporarily, you will allow your body to detox and become stronger. Food rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates is very essential. Protein is necessary for body growth.
However, taking food in an uneven quantity is not good for the body. Taking essential nutrients in an adequate amount is called a balanced diet. Taking a balanced diet keeps the body and mind strong and healthy. Good food helps in better sleep, proper brain functioning and healthy body weight. You must include vegetables, and fruits in your daily diet. Healthy food habit prevents various diseases. Reducing the amount of fat in the diet prevents cholesterol and heart diseases. Make sure that you spend more time outdoors in the sun, and fresh air and take part in more healthy activities. Some examples are playing any sports, swimming, and hiking.
References
- The Importance of Physical Fitness
- Physical Activity – Mayo Clinic
- The benefits of physical activity and exercise for mental health and well-being
- How to Start Working Out – The New York Times
- Exercise and Physical Fitness – MedlinePlus
- Physical exercise – an often overlooked global contributor to quality of life – a pilot study indicating a non-significant increase of self-reported health
