Physical fitness has been defined as the capacity to do various activities by which the body maintains its overall health. The definition also indicates that physical fitness involves the ability to live well and to sustain life. Physical fitness has been described in many ways but in essence, it is about optimum performance of the body at the performance of daily activities and sports. It also involves the use of technology and tools to assist in the performance of daily activities and sports.
Muscles and fibers have to be developed to become functional. The development of muscles and fibers of the skeletal system provides support for bones and joints. Development of the respiratory system also requires the efficient utilization of oxygen and other fuels by the cells. Therefore, a person who lacks stamina or has a poor ability to build and repair muscle fibers would not be able to develop his body to its fullest extent.
In order for the body to maintain its normal level of fitness, it is essential to do some kind of exercise regularly. In fact, the recommended amount of exercise for each day is not fixed. The exercise should be an interactive one involving all the muscle groups. Exercise should be beneficial to you in the long term because you are strengthening and enhancing your body’s defenses and improving your resistance to diseases like heart disease. Also, your muscle tissues and other organs are being maintained and nourished. You can therefore expect a reduction in the incidence of the development of chronic diseases like heart disease.
Developing and building muscles, improving your body composition (body fat percentage), and increasing endurance all contribute to fitness. Cardiovascular fitness refers to the capacity of the heart to pump blood effectively through the body and to maintain the body’s blood pressure. The better your cardiovascular fitness, the lower your chances of developing heart diseases like heart attacks and stroke. Improving your muscle strength also contributes to fitness because muscle strength allows you to do more strenuous exercises that require greater stamina.
Fitness involves many aspects and you should not think of fitness as being simply about physical aspects alone. You should consider it as an aspect of your life that you should be proud of. If you are happy with your general fitness, then you will also become mentally fit and able to handle all situations that might come your way. You will also be able to face challenges in your life and be successful in life despite your physical limitations.
If you want to increase your fitness level, start by making a list of things that you like to do and commit yourself to do them every day. Find a gym to join or take a class and use the exercise DVDs that you have purchased to help you improve your overall fitness level. Make sure that you are following a healthy eating plan and getting enough sleep. These may seem like small things, but they go a long way when it comes to building up your strength, stamina, and agility. You will find yourself enjoying the new fitness levels that you can accomplish.