Physical fitness defines the way you move and how well you can do things. When you’re fit, your body functions better and you are more mobile. That means you can get around easier and longer. It also means you feel good about yourself because you are healthier. Physical fitness is about much more than just being able to throw a ball around the park and it’s about getting active and staying fit.
To be considered fit, you should have a balanced diet consisting of plenty of fruits, vegetables, fiber, and a small amount of protein, for example. Regular physical activity helps to keep you healthy, improves circulation, tones your muscles, burns fat, and gets rid of excess calories. Exercise may include cardiovascular workouts such as running or walking, resistance training (for example, weightlifting), strength training, swimming, or dance. General fitness involves your ability to get along in society, your mental and physical skills, your ability to work and balance work and home life, and your social and interpersonal relationships.
The first step to take in order to determine if you are fit is called fitness testing. This can be done at home by using exercise videos or using fitness equipment such as treadmills, elliptical trainers, stair steppers, stationary bikes, recumbent bicycles, or a combination of one or two of these products. A good exercise program should last no more than an hour or two a day, three to four days a week, and you should make sure that you are following your program exactly as prescribed. If you workout at home instead of going to a gym, you will need to set aside time each day to do an appropriate amount of exercise.
Your second step toward determining your fitness level is called life performance. Life performance is an assessment of how well you do in the areas of both exercise and non-exercise activities and it takes into account things like your ability to get along with others, your ability to concentrate, your enjoyment of life, and your academic performance. These assessments will help you determine which of the fitness methods described above may be better for you.
Your third and most important step toward determining your fitness level is to interview a doctor or a professional trainer. You want to get several ideas from them so that you have a good idea of what type of fitness programs to use to reach your fitness goals. You will also want to learn about the other factors that may affect your health, such as age, gender, body size, or even how much you like to travel.
When you do decide to join a fitness center, your initial appointment will be a walk-through to determine if you feel comfortable enough to participate in their fitness program and if you will be able to achieve your fitness goals. After this, you will be given a handbook of exercises and some general information on how to get the most out of your physical exercise activities. You should take this time to educate yourself about exercise in general, as well as about exercise programs specific to fitness and exercise. You should also discuss any concerns you have with your doctor or trainer. This will help to create the best possible fitness relationship between you and your doctor or trainer, which will help you reach your fitness goals.