For many people in today’s busy world it’s quite easy to come up with an excuse for not being in shape and exercising regularly. Some of the more common ones are “I’m too busy”, “There aren’t enough hours in a day”, and “I’m so tired after work and taking care of the kids all day”. However most of these are just that, excuses. Unless your doctor has informed you that you should not exercise, some form of activity or physical fitness should be a priority on everyone’s daily routine. The key is realizing that your health is an important part of your life, and should be made a priority.
The best way to keep is shape is to be involved in some sort of physical activity on a regular basis (at least 3 times a week). If you can find a sports activity like swimming, tennis, racquetball, basketball, baseball, softball, running, or karate that you enjoy this is just as effective as a regular exercise routine. If it’s something you enjoy chances are you won’t think of it as drudgery and will look forward to doing it.
For those of us who don’t participate in some form of sports on a regular basis we are going to have to come up with regular exercise program. One of the most successful methods is to get up half an hour earlier in the morning and exercise. If you really like your sleep this may be hard, but if you exercise at night it’s much easier to say “I’m too tired today” and skip it. If you have kids around the house you are also setting a great example about how important taking care of your health and your body really is.
The first option to consider is choosing a gym. While a gym can be expensive you will have access to a wide variety of equipment and machines that you could never afford or fit into your house. You will also have access to health professionals like personal trainers.
Physical fitness is a crucial aspect to daily life. Without physical fitness, the body becomes weak, old before its time and more prone to disease. So what exactly are the benefits of physical fitness?
Stress reduction. In a world where stress is nearly constant, with bosses, children, parents, professors having total and 100% access to you every moment due to cell phones, IM's, texts and emails, relieving that stress is the bodies way of flushing out the stress toxins.
Coupled with yoga, meditation, physical fitness pursuits may leave a person feeling tired, but in a beneficial, worthwhile way.
Increased Energy
Just like money where you have to spend it to make it, a body needs to expend energy to gain energy. Our bodies need energy to carry on daily living with children, spouses, work, we can't afford to not have energy. This is just one of the benefits of physical fitness.
Lose extra body fat
There are so many benefits to this one. Lowering the risk for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and not only that but benefits in how you look and feel about yourself. Confidence is raised, which can bring about promising rewards in every aspect of your life.
Strengthen the Heart
Physical fitness incorporates all areas of aerobic activity as well as everyday activities like playing with the kids, walking the dog, gardening, etc. The benefits of strengthening the heart are innumerable. The stronger the heart, the longer your life, and the less medical problems along the way.
Other benefits of physical fitness include a higher metabolism, bone strengthening, reduced risk of physical injury, circulation and balance improvements, and probably the best of all, increased level of self confidence.
The close connection between body and mind is important to note regarding the benefits of exercise. Stresses of the mind, personal conflict, worries, depression take a toll not just on the mind, but on the body too. The benefits of physical fitness are benefits for the mind and soul as well.
