Why Is Physical Fitness Important?

We all know that being physically fit is good for us, but exactly why is physical fitness important? There are many benefits of physical fitness, some of which may surprise you. Use these benefits as motivation to start a fitness program or continue with an existing fitness program.

Top 10 Benefits Of Physical Fitness

1. You're more likely to live a long and healthy life. In an eight year study of more than 20,000 men, those who were lean but unfit had twice the risk of death as fit, lean men. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and colon cancer. It reduces the risk of having a stroke. It may also reduce the risk of breast cancer and lung cancer.

2. You'll control your weight. If you try and lose weight simply by dieting, much of your lost weight will be muscle not fat. Working out prevents your muscles from wasting away as you slim down. Most people who lose weight gain it back within one to three years, but that's because they don't exercise. Among those who succeed at keeping the weight off, more than 95% work out regularly.

3. You'll have more energy, strength, and stamina. People who complain that they don't have enough energy to exercise fail to realize that working out gives you energy. In one study, middle-aged women who lifted weights for a year became 27% more active in daily life than before they started weight lifting.

Regular exercise also increases your strength and stamina, allowing you to better handle common activities such as carrying a heavy bag of groceries or climbing a flight of stairs.

4. You'll strengthen your bones. Both men and women start losing bone mass around age 35. Lifting weights can not only halt the decline, but in some cases can reverse it. This drastically reduces your risk of osteoporosis. Weight bearing activities like walking and running also help keep your bones strong.

5. You'll prevent or reduce low back pain. Strengthening your abdominal and lower back muscles can do wonders to ward off lower back pain and reduce discomfort if you already suffer from this pain.

Also, by strengthening your abdominal and lower back muscles you might be able to avoid back surgery. In one study, 35 of 38 people who had been recommended for back surgery were able to avoid surgery by following an aggressive strengthening program.

6. You'll get sick less often. Regular exercise strengthens your immune system.

7. You'll improve your mood. A large amount of research shows that you have a better sense of well-being following a workout. Thanks to chemicals released in the brain during exercise, feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, and stress are diminished during a workout. Not only does a single workout make you feel better, but regular exercise lets you enjoy long lasting psychological benefits.

8. You'll sleep better. People who exercise regularly fall asleep faster, sleep longer, and wake up less often during the night than people who are sedentary.

9. You'll look and feel better. Everyone looks better when they're in shape, and when you look better you definitely feel better.

10. You'll enjoy life more. Life is much more fun when you're fit and healthy. You have energy, strength, and confidence, and you're more productive in everything you do.

Why is physical fitness important? The bottom line answer is that many of the problems commonly associated with ageing - disease, increased body fat, loss of bone mass, loss of energy and strength - are often the result of a sedentary lifestyle and can be minimized or prevented by improving your physical fitness.