The Importance of Exercise and Fitness

One of the things people overlook in their life is their health. On January 1st of each year, we make resolutions and usually the items at the top of the list are to lose weight and to exercise. We start the year off by changing our eating habits and joining a gym or taking walks for a couple of months and then we stop. We feel okay so we get complacent. To improve your overall health you need to incorporate an exercise and fitness program into your daily life. To make the changes you need for your well-being, you have to get motivated and stay motivated.

Exercise is a planned, structured, and repetitive physical activity. Fitness relates to the overall well-being of a person and includes exercise and a healthy diet. They work together to control blood glucose levels, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and other conditions that may adversely affect the body. Exercise and fitness can also help to alleviate the pain of arthritis.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism published a study in 2003 that found that the growth of obesity and Type II diabetes among Americans is directly related to physical inactivity. To avoid these conditions, it is important to stay healthy and be physically fit.

Before you begin an exercise program, consult with your doctor. If you have had cardiovascular problems, your doctor may want you to have a stress test before beginning an exercise program. The stress test will determine a safe level of exercise for you.

Your health condition determines the type of exercise and physical fitness program you should undertake. For example, if you have condition such as diabetic retinopathy you should not lift weights, jog or perform high-impact aerobics. These types of activities can cause further damage to blood vessels and possible retinal detachment.

If you have severe peripheral neuropathy (PN), you should avoid foot-intensive weight-bearing exercises such as long distance walking, jogging, or step aerobics. You should consider exercises like swimming, biking, and rowing which are low-impact.

Your exercise routine does not have to be elaborate or rigid. You should participate in an activity that you enjoy. It could be a brisk walk around your neighborhood or along a path in your local park. You can also make some subtle changes that will improve your overall fitness such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking your car in the lot or a parking space furthest from the store where you shop.

Exercise and eating a proper diet leads to a healthier body. The better your diet is and the leaner your body, the more energy you are likely to have. When you are physically fit, you have more self confidence. You know you look good and you show it. When you are overweight, you have less energy, you cover yourself and you are less likely to meet new people. You start to feel depressed and negative thoughts invade your mind. You will find that making changes in your life to include exercise and fitness will improve your overall well-being.

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