Benefits of Physical Fitness - The Top 5 Reasons to Get Fit!

There is a lot of talk about the importance of physical fitness, but do you really know what physical fitness is? A simple definition of physical fitness is being in good physical condition, but there is more to it than that. A more inclusive definition would be the body's ability to function effectively and efficiently during daily activity and to have an overall state of health and wellness. Let's look at the top 5 reasons to get fit.

Relief From Stress And Anxiety

In terms of ill-effects on the body, stress is a killer. It puts one at risk for a myriad of diseases including coronary heart disease and cancer. Since it is unlikely that our lives will become less stressful in the near future, we need an effective way to manage stress. There are many ways to do this, including meditation, yoga, and particularly exercise. Compounds called endorphins are released when we exercise, and the endorphins make us feel better overall. There is also a social component to exercise that can be beneficial for stress relief.

Decreased Risk Of Major Illness

When your body is at an ideal state of wellness, the risk of major disease plummets. On the other hand, if you are overweight or even obese, your risk of serious disease increases dramatically. Being physically fit can not only prevent you from getting diseases such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or cancer, it can even slow down the aging process!

Overall Well-Being

When you look in the mirror and are pleased by what you see, you feel good too. How you feel impacts how you interact with others and how you perceive yourself. Being fit translates into an improvement in your overall wellness.

Increased Energy

The more energy you have, the more you can live a good life. With more energy, you have the ability to enjoy more leisure time pursuits, to be more effective at work and to be more productive overall. When you are energetic, life feels better. Making sure your body gets what it needs will be a boon to your personal energy.

Better Sleep

Sleep-deprivation although common, is dangerous. Without enough sleep, our bodies go into disrepair. It is critical that we get a minimum of seven hours of sleep each night for our us to keep our bodies in good working order. If you are having trouble sleeping, try a soothing cup of herbal tea before bed. You should also keep the same sleep schedule every night, including weekends. After a time, your body will begin to get sleepy at your regular bedtime.

How Can I Get Fit?

To get fit, choose a regimen that suits your needs. If you prefer to exercise only moderately and like the simplicity of having your meals pre-planned, then select a program that incorporates these factors. Any plan that you choose should be one that you can stick to in the long-term.