Consider Physical-Fitness

Just how fit are you? and Why should you be fit?

How did you rate your physical-fitness? Your physical-fitness will be greatly improved by regular exercise.

Regular exercise will improve your sense of well being, your appearance, and help you get the most enjoyment out of living. It is vital to your health and impacts on almost every aspect of your health.

Research has shown that the physically fit person is able to withstand fatigue for longer periods than the unfit; is better equipped to tolerate physical stress; has a stronger and more efficient heart; and is more likely to be mentally alert than an unfit person.

I’m sure we all realise that physical-fitness plays a major role in keeping us healthy and it is important that we make an effort to get regular exercise. However, as we age we tend to slow down and become a little less active so we do need to make an effort to exercise regularly.

However, if you make some form of exercise a part of every day, you will soon see some benefits.

One of the most beneficial and natural forms of exercising is, of course, walking.

Even if you don't 'go for a walk' each day - time constraints do sometimes get in the way - try to fit more walking into your day by parking further away from the shops, or getting off the bus one stop earlier.

At every opportunity, walk rather than drive. Don't take the escalator, climb the stairs - stair climbing is great exercise.

If you sit for a great part of the day at a desk, be sure to sit tall and not to slump with rounded shoulders and head forward. (As I write this, I immediately feel myself sitting straighter!)

To tone up your shoulders and arm muscles - sit erect, place hands on desk, palms down, trying to lift your body from the chair. Hold the pressure for a few seconds and repeat two or three times a day.

When standing, sitting or lying, tense the muscles of the abdomen and hold for about six seconds. Do this a few times a day.

Constantly think about how you look; walk tall and sit tall, always trying to maintain a good postural position.

There are many fitness programs available to us and they all have their benefits, but not all programs are right for everyone. If you are not in the habit of exercising regularly, don't rush it. You cannot expect to embark suddenly on a punishing jogging or squash program without injury.

The sport or exercise you choose must be suitable for your age and "where you're at" right now.

There are many different forms of exercise, all of them important. Maybe it's time to try something quite new.

TaeKwonDo promotes a mind-body-spirit connection, is a way of life, a way to more happiness and a road to better health. It might suit you.

To experience the full health benefits of exercise we need cardio/aerobic exercise, strength training, weight-bearing exercise, stretching, breathing, and balance.

More and more studies have shown that sensible strength training produces massive health and fitness benefits. Read the article "9 BIG FAT Reasons Why You Need to Strength Train" by Personal Trainer, Matthew Riddell, and check out the following website Prescription4Fitness where you will find Tools, Resources and MP3 Audio workouts for Strength, Cardio and Flexibility Training and Personal Guided Programs using MP3 Workouts.

It's always a good idea to check with your physician (especially if you have a medical condition) before embarking on any rigorous fitness program.

See what programs are available in your area to find which fits in best with your goals and ideas.

I see no need to buy expensive equipment or even pay big money to join a gym, though they certainly are options. There are many pieces of equipment that will improve your physical well being, but you can also achieve this without making purchases.

Some people need the discipline of joining a program at a gym, just so they be sure they actually do the exercise, and others find it very helpful to have a personal trainer who will work with them specifically on their needs.

Those who are really into fitness will know a lot more than I do about the programs and equipment available – I'm just offering a little bit of advice to the people who are like me and know that they should be doing more about 'getting fit'.

A program that I would personally recommend (for women only) is that conducted by Curves. At just 30 minutes per session it gives most of my muscles the work-out they need, it helps burn off some body fat and is suitable for all ages. So check to see if you have a Curves gym near you.

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