What are the benefits of physical fitness? Why is physical fitness important?
We’ve all heard exercise is good for us.
But what does this really mean?
Exactly what kind of exercise are we talking about and in what ways is it good for us?
What are the benefits of physical fitness?
In fact, the benefits are numerous and everyone stands to gain- grandmothers, grandfathers, wives, husbands, guys, gals, youngsters, sedentary folks, athletes, you, me... and everyone in between.
If you think you're too old or it's too late, think again.
The human body responds to physical activity and exercise throughout the life span.
-The percentage increase in improvements in aerobic power (also called VO2Max) through aerobic training amongst the elderly is reported to be comparable to that of the young!
-Weight training builds muscle even into the tenth decade of life!
There are no age limitations for the benefits of physical fitness to occur. It’s never too late and you’re never too old to get started in fitness. The important thing is to get started.
But what kind of exercise are we talking about?
Let’s take a closer look...
The first distinction we need to make is between two terms often used in the literature: Physical activity and Exercise.
The benefits of physical fitness: Definition of Physical Activity vs. Exercise
Physical activity is considered to be any activity that involves body movement by contracting your muscles, and that substantially increases energy expenditure.
-Examples of physical activity are walking, gardening, biking, raking leaves, swimming, and dancing, etc.
Exercise, on the other hand, can be thought of as a type of physical activity and is often defined as planned, structured and repetitive body movement done to improve physical fitness.
-An example would be the kind of structured exercise program or workout plan a personal trainer would design for you.
Luckily, to derive health benefits, any physical activity you enjoy doing will suffice. The more you enjoy your activity, the greater your chances of sticking to it.
...And anyone can do it, at any age.
It's never too early nor too late to get started.
Here are some of the benefits of physical fitness
The benefits of physical activity are well known. Laboratory and population based studies have clearly demonstrated that regular physical activity prevents occurrences of cardiac events, reduces the incidence of strokes, hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.
Other scientific studies have postulated that physical activity may also lessen anxiety and depression, enhance feelings of well-being, and improve sleep.
For children, physical activity ensures healthy growth and development. It improves motor performance skills, cardiovascular fitness, strength and flexibility and helps lay the foundation for good bone density.
For adults, this translates to performing tasks with greater ease, comfort, and with less fatigue. Science has shown that regular physical activity can reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.
It can increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol is the good kind), decrease serum triglycerides, reduce insulin needs, improve glucose tolerance and reduces blood platelet adhesiveness and aggregation.
For seniors, physical activity helps maintain strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. This means reducing the risks of falling, reducing the rate of bone loss associated with osteoporosis, and reducing the limitations of engaging in basic activities of daily living (ADLs) that often accompany advancing age.
The benefits of physical fitness: Movement for Better Health
The incredible point to note here, is that all these benefits can accrue through simple physical activity...
-such as walking, bicycling, gardening, dancing or any of your favourite activities.
And the benefits of physical fitness are yours at any stage of life.
Side Note:
One excellent gentle way to stay in shape if you are able to get out and about for a change, is walking. Here's a site that's almost entirely devoted to walking for physical fitness.
It’s easy to get excited by the prospects of having more energy, looking and feeling better, being healthier and reducing our risk for disease as we grow and age.
It’s simple too. Especially if you choose an activity you like.
You don’t need to belong to a gym to get involved in physical activity.
The benefits of physical activity are many. But how much physical activity does the scientific research claim is necessary for all of these health benefits to occur?
Just how much walking, biking, gardening (or whatever your choice of physical activity), is actually needed?
We’ve all heard exercise is good for us. 
