True fitness is far more than just how far you can run or how much weight you can lift!
Personal fitness is actually a cumulative effect of five major components, unfortunately, a couple of which are often overlooked completely! If you truly want to ensure better overall wellness and quality of life, make sure each of these are a part of your fitness regiment!
- Cardiorespiratory endurance
- Muscular strength
- Muscular endurance
- Body composition
- Flexibility
What is “cardiorespiratory endurance (cardiovascular fitness)?”
Cardiorespiratory endurance is the body’s ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues, and to remove wastes, through extended period of physical exertion. Increasing cardiovascular fitness is done best through exercises of longer duration and lessened resistance, such as running, cycling, or swimming for example.
What is “muscular strength?”
Muscular strength is the ability or amount of force that can be applied to a single muscular contraction. The most efficient and effective means of increasing muscular strength is through resistance training.
What is “muscular endurance?”
Muscular endurance is the ability of the muscle group to continue muscle movement over a length of time. Improving your muscular endurance can be achieved through many of the same activities used for cardiovascular fitness such as walking, jogging, bicycling, or dancing.
What is “body composition?”
Body composition is the relative percentage of body fat compared to lean muscle mass. Total bodyweight, shown on a scale, is not nearly as important or “telling” as body composition. Higher amounts of lean body mass and less body fat are important for overall health and weight management!
What is “flexibility?”
Flexibility is simply the range of motion one has around a specific joint. Good levels of flexibility will help prevent injuries and enhance recovery. Improvements in flexibility can typically be achieved by activities that lengthen the muscles such as swimming or a basic stretching program. Flexibility should NOT be overlooked as part of an overall fitness program.
In today’s society, it is extremely important to find ways to minimize stress and better our health. Although our daily diet plans play a crucial role in the way we look, nothing has more drastic effects on our total wellness. Failure to make exercise a part of your life will ultimately lead to increased health risks and a shorter life expectancy. You owe it to yourself to take advantage of today’s technology to get in shape and learn to live a longer, healthier life by simply setting aside minutes each day!
Yes, mere minutes each day…once you make the decision!
Jason is a lifetime fitness and nutrition enthusiast, Founder of WeChangeLivesDaily.com and an AdvoCare Diamond Distributor. With a goal of helping the masses reach their health and wellness goals, Jason and his Team have set out to provide a place and means for convenient, proven, real-world fitness and nutrition coaching and solutions!
