Physical fitness definition, what is it? Everyone has the ability or capability to become fit and healthy, but the degree or rate at which each one does is different for everyone.
When you think about the definition of physical activities, you consider actions such as running, biking, kayaking, rock climbing, swimming, jogging, speed walking and lots more. Even kicking a ball with the kids is a physical activity.
When delving into what is physical activities, we realize that the body needs energy to perform physical actions. Hence, to produce energy, we need to eat sustaining foods for the body to convert carbohydrates and sugar into fuel sources.
Physical Fitness Definition – Good To Know Insights
Looking at physical fitness meaning to everyday life, we gather that it takes consistency and reasonable goals to achieve. It’s also good to note that staying active with physical exercise will improve wellness on all levels.
Here are some advantages of keeping fit:
Keeping physically fit lowers stress hormones
The body produces a myriad of hormones that are responsible for various functions. When we’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed, stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline causes our hearts to beat faster and breathing becomes shallow.
Stress hormones are good for emergencies, but chronically producing them is dangerous. Having a stressful job or personal situation can increase these hormones, and exercising every day will help to counter the adverse effects. Keeping fit and exercising increases happy feel-good hormones like dopamine and endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers).
You keep the excess weight off
If you’ve lost weight and reached or are nearly at your goal weight, the thrill is like an intense satisfaction, and this can be overwhelming. When it comes to emotional eaters, they may feel tempted to eat because emotions trigger this. But when exercising every day, you keep excess weight off and maintain your current weight.
Energy in abundance
If you’ve done yoga, you’ll realise that these stretches do more than just tone your body; they also give you energy for the day. Some people even take the liberty of doing a few stretching at the office, in-between breaks.
Exercising is great for anyone looking for a natural way to replenish energy rather than turn to high-caffeinated energy drinks.
Sleep improvement
A lack of sleep is caused by many possible reasons such as stress, illness, loss and traumatic experiences.
Sleep deprivation can lead to anxiety, depression, mood changes, trouble focusing or concentrating, a weaker immune system, impulsive behavior, and more. Exercise is shown to help improve sleep, and this is important to prevent and possibly manage the above-mentioned conditions.
Improves immune system function
Some studies show exercise can improve the immune system. It’s possible to use exercise as a tool to strengthen and boost the immune system. Exercise should be applied appropriately and in the correct moderation according to fitness levels and demands to be effective. Over-exercising can make the body weak as it then attends to overworked and stressed muscles.
Better balance
You ever wondered how some people have such perfect balance? From ballerinas and dancers to gymnasts and yoga instructors. The key to balance factors in exercise. Not all training is the same, but some are very similar.
Exercise, whether yoga stretches, tai chi, Pilates or aerobics, strengthens muscles and joints that improve mobility and balance.
With better balance comes a lowered risk for falls. For elderly people, this is very important as falls contribute to the majority of injuries.
Flexibility is improved
You’ll notice that when doing regular stretches, you’ll feel more flexible. Flexibility occurs because the muscles and the joints become stronger. When they are supple yet strong, muscles can take more stress as opposed to when they’re not.
Strengthen bones and muscles
Exercise helps to improve muscle strength as well as bones and joints. Regular exercise could help to reduce the chance of developing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone condition which leads to brittle and weak bones because the body cannot replace old bone tissue.
Lowers blood pressure
Physical fitness definition also includes the fact that exercise may help the body to lower blood pressure. Doctors may recommend that exercise be incorporated alongside the use of hypertension medication.
Improved mental wellness
More and more people are enjoying the benefits of exercise. Physical fitness can help to improve mental wellness as it increases the hormones that make us feel happy. At the same time, exercise reduces stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which should only kick in for fight or flight.
In essence, keeping fit will thus help to uplift mood since it releases endorphins which acts like the body’s natural morphine.
Higher self-esteem
If you’re maintaining health and wellness regularly, you may see improved self-esteem due to feeling better from the inside out. As mentioned earlier, exercise and physical fitness will also help to improve mental wellness, and this is another reason it helps boost self-esteem.
Physical Fitness Definition For Grown Ups
At every stage of our lives, our bodies change; and this is true for children through to adults and seniors.
What is physical fitness for adults? Physical fitness from grownups should be less intense than, for example, a teenager. Adults should get at least 20 to 30 minutes of exercise each day a week. Yes, this sounds like a lot but trying some form of distraction helps. For example, watch your favorite program as you pedal your stationary bicycle for 30 or so minutes.
If you don’t have time during the day, it’s great to start your exercise regimen in the morning. Some people also find that attending a gym on certain days of the week has helped them manage their fitness goals.
The general physical fitness definition may also factor in aspects like blood sugar levels, blood oxygen levels, cholesterol and heart rate, to name a few. In essence, one could incorporate an annual visit to the GP to do an overall wellness examination which will include blood pressure and the rest of the medical checks.
Tips For Improved Workouts
Pick things you like
Let’s face it, when you enjoy something, you’re more than likely won’t mind having it part of your regular routine. The same applies to exercise. Choosing exercises or physical activities that you enjoy will help keep you motivated and eager to keep at it without it feeling like too much effort.
Try incorporating exercise for your whole body
You can get the most out of your exercises by working every part of your body. For example, legs, arms, core and back. Core muscles, as well as back strength, will help to increase balance and prevent injuries.
Be safe while you exercise
Another definition of exercise includes staying safe while working out. You can stay safe while exercising by using proper equipment and also proper posture. Safety will help prevent injuries.
FAQ
What is physical fitness, you may wonder? It is, in fact, the process of being fit and exercising as well as maintaining a balanced diet.
Physical fitness is very important for wellness as a whole. Exercising improves physical well being, and it helps promote muscle strength plus a strong immune system.
Examples of physical fitness include swimming, riding a bicycle, walking, running, dancing, aerobics and water aerobics, to name a few.
Physical fitness includes muscle strength, flexibility, muscle strength, muscle endurance and body composition.
There are two types of physical fitness, namely “health-related” and motor-related.” Health-related covers flexibility, strength, dynamic strength, body composition and cardiovascular. Motor related covers power, agility, balance speed, accuracy and coordination.
Conclusion To Physical Fitness
With time, physical fitness becomes a way of life. Consistency is critical to maintaining good fitness levels and improving your wellness in all aspects. However, while this is true, remember that there are some factors that you can’t change. For instance, genetics, gender and age are three factors that cannot change when it comes to overall fitness. But, factors like personal habits, exercise and diet are things that can be influenced and changed.
