Physical fitness refers to a condition of well-being and health and, more importantly, the capacity to perform various physical activities, tasks and sports. Physical fitness is usually achieved through adequate sleep, proper nutrition and moderate-to-vigorous exercise. The term ‘physical fitness’ has various other meanings, such as ‘healthiness’, ‘esteem’ and ‘well-being’. Some use the term ‘fitness’ to mean the capacity to meet the requirements of modern living, while others use it to refer to a combination of all the aforementioned factors. The purpose of this article is to explain what physical fitness really is and how all these components can be useful in one’s life.
Let us first take a look at the definition of fitness. Fitness refers to the ability of an individual to efficiently execute various physical activities that increase overall health, provide stimulation, and promote optimal performance. Individuals who are fit have greater stamina and are less likely to suffer from injuries during fitness-based exercises such as running, cycling, rowing, dancing, tennis, weight lifting, swimming, soccer, or any other sport or activity where speed, strength and endurance are important. In addition, people who are fit also have higher self-esteem, better immune system, longer life span, improved reproductive system and lower risk of certain types of cancer. In simple terms, if you are fit you are physically healthy.
In order to achieve optimum fitness, it is essential for an individual to assess his or her own fitness level. There are many ways to measure one’s fitness level and they include but are not limited to, treadmill testing, running/jogging speed, heart rate, muscle strength and aerobic capacity. If you do not think you can perform a given exercise correctly on your treadmill or at the gym, you can try other alternatives at home such as using a pulse oximeter or completing a cross-country sprint. For example, if you have the ability to sprint at least six lengths further than you can walk, you can increase your running speed by six strides. When you breathe faster, you will be able to breathe harder, which in turn, increases your heart rate.
Another way to assess your fitness level is by performing pushups, sit-ups and pull-ups. These core exercises provide resistance, which helps to increase your metabolism and burn more calories each day. In order to perform all three of these core exercises, it is necessary for you to push yourself without external help. This will not only help you to strengthen your muscles but also to boost your self-confidence as well.
Cardiovascular fitness is essential for improving one’s physical condition. Therefore, it is important to improve your cardio-vascular system by doing exercises such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming and dancing. Once you begin to do regular workouts, you will notice your perspiration reducing and your muscles becoming stronger. You will also begin to feel fitter after a few weeks of this type of exercise.
Finally, you need to concentrate on your reaction time when doing fitness activities. Your reaction time means how fast you can complete an exercise without stopping. If you notice that your body is holding its breath while completing an exercise, then you are probably working against yourself. You can learn to control your breathing by concentrating on every single muscle in your body, while breathing deeply and slowly. As your body completes the exercise, it will be able to breathe easier and your heart rate will begin to increase, thereby increasing your reaction time. As you start to do more exercises, you will notice your reaction time improves as well.