Why is Physical Fitness Important

9/04/2009

Why is physical fitness important? For so many reasons. It's not just important for athletes, it's important for everyone! Physical fitness does not just mean exercise. It refers to a person's overall strength, flexibility, aerobic ability, and ability to endure. That means it also deals with nutrition and mental health. So, again, why is physical fitness important? Here's a list answering why:

1. When we exercise our lungs take in additional oxygen, which is fuel for the heart and the brain.

3. Exercise helps release stress and tension in our lives. And strenuous exercise can release endorphins in your brain, which actually make you happier!

4. It results in strengthening bones, which makes daily tasks easier and helps guard against major injuries.

5. Physical fitness also helps people lose weight. When a person is in shape, they have increased muscle mass. Since muscle burns more calories than fat, this means a person's body uses up more calories and stores less of them as fat. Lower body fat is also associated with a longer lifespan!

6. Physical activity is a terrific way to help protect both the heart and lungs. Since heart attacks are among the top causes of death in the United States, keeping your heart in good condition is very important. As for lungs, physical fitness can reduce the discomfort associated with common respiratory diseases like Asthma, which can also lead to other health complications.

7. Regular exercise reduces the risk of dangerous problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and several types of cancer.

8. You'll keep your mind sharp. Many studies have confirmed that physical fitness is one of the best things you can do for your mind, as it improves your brain function.

9. You'll get sick less often because being fit and in shape strengthens your immune system, which is what fights colds, flus, viruses, etc.

10. You'll actually sleep better. It's been shown that people who exercise regularly fall asleep faster. They also sleep longer and wake up less often during the night than people who aren't as active and fit.

So, there's 10 great reasons why. But it can be summed up with a few words: "your life will be so much better when you are physically fit!"

Why is physical fitness important? For more direction about that, check out Ashley's workout, which is designed specifically to help teens and tweens get physically fit.