As technology advances to aid our life style, we need to monitor and moderate our usage so we can tip the balance more towards our physical fitness. For example:
Using the stairs more than the elevator
Walking to the convenience store instead of driving
Parking further from the mall entrance
These are just a few examples of easy ways to include small activities in your life style, activities that can help you with the five basic components of physical health and fitness.
In the past, walking was the primary means of transportation. Walking got you where you needed to go, from point A to point B, but improved physical fitness was sure to be a great side benefit. Nowadays, going for a walk has somehow diminished to going for a stroll. So the side benefits of maintaining or increasing physical fitness has also diminished. What has changed our walk to a stroll? Two words: Purpose and Reason. Our purpose and reason for walking has taken on a different meaning. If you need to walk two city blocks for an appointment, this gives you purpose. If you must be at the appointment at a specific time and you're running a little late, this gives you reason for a brisk walk. But instead of walking, people are more likely to hop into motorized transportation. Try taking the time to plan your day differently. Think about your purpose and reason, and then walk instead of driving. A brisk walk has deliberate purpose and reason; and then you'll find that the side benefits of physical fitness returns.
Components of Physical Fitness
There are five basic components of physical fitness that you need to pay attention to on an even and consistent basis to increase the likelihood that you will reap the benefits: heart/lungs, body composition, muscle strength, stamina, and flexibility. Reduced risk of type two diabetes, heart and vascular disease, some types of cancer, stroke, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis are but a few of the headliners of health risk concern that can be controlled if you adopt a more active life style, participate in an exercise program, or preferable do both.
The first task at the top of your list should be doing a self assessment. Here is a question you may find useful for your self assessment: Can I pump (heart and lungs) enough fuel to this body (body composition) to enable me to start a task (muscular strength), keep going long enough to finish it in a set time (stamina), and not get hurt (flexibility)?
Heart and Lungs
The first component to aid you physical fitness that we will look at is your heart and lungs. This component is used to pump oxygen and oxygenated blood throughout your body. Your heart and lungs need to be in good shape so they can do their job. Making sure they work properly for day to day activity, and especially for an exercise program, is important. Cardiovascular exercise for your heart and lungs is a critical component of any exercise program. Examples of cardiovascular exercise include:
Brisk walking
Jogging
Running
Cycling
It is always recommended you consult with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
Body Composition
Body composition is basically concerned with the fat content in your body. Is the ratio of fat compared to the muscle and bones in your body at a satisfactory level? Along with a cardiovascular component of physical fitness, most exercise programs are designed to control body composition through weight training and diet. You could say that controlling body composition is one of the purposes for an exercise program.
Physical Strength
Physical strength is the next component of physical fitness. Physical strength is about the amount of work you are able to manage, or the amount of weight you can lift or carry. The ability to lift and carry weight is important not only for your exercise program, but also in your daily life: from carrying groceries, to being able to lift your child, or, if the mood strikes, your partner.
Stamina
Stamina is different from strength. Stamina is more inclined towards the question, "How long can I keep up this activity?" How long can you lift or keep lifting the weight (repeat action or hold)? How far can you carry the groceries? How much longer can I lift my child before my arms gets tired? Is 10 seconds enough to hold my partner aloft?
Flexibility
Flexibility speaks to the range of motion your muscles are able to go through. Are they able to go the full range or do they stop short? Flexibility is what helps you reach for the item on the top shelf without pulling a muscle. Stretching often when your muscles are warmed up may increase or maintain you full muscle range.
The results you would like for you physical fitness are somewhat dependent on the amount of work you put in. Just remember to include little activities in your daily life. You should notice that physical fitness can become a great life style.
