The 3 Benefits of a Fitness Lifestyle

The 3 Benefits of a Fitness Lifestyle

A fitness lifestyle is defined as a daily exercise and nutrition program designed to improve your aerobic capacity, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and body composition. There are many reasons for you to develop a fitness lifestyle, but I believe 3 are particularly important:

1.Improved health and reduced risk of disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two out of three Americans are overweight and one-third are clinically obese. This obesity is widespread in the United States. As of 2009, 49 states had a prevalence rate greater than 20% (Colorado is the only exception). The number of overweight young people has more than tripled since 1980. This is at least partly due to lack of exercise. According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), less than half of all Americans get the recommended amount of exercise (about 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days). 25% of us don't exercise at all. This has a significant impact on our health as there is a direct link between a sedentary lifestyle, obesity and many deadly diseases. Particularly overweight and obese people are at higher risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, some cancers (endometrial, breast and colon), sleep apnea and breathing problems. A 2005 study by the CDC and the National Institutes of Health reported that more than 100,000 Americans die of obesity each year. Therefore, the biggest benefit of a fitness lifestyle is improved health and potentially a longer life.

2.Improved work performance. Yes, being fit and healthy can improve your work performance and save you and your employer money. In a 2005 study reported by ACSM, researchers found that employees who used their company gym were more productive and got along better with their coworkers. Ratings for intellectual and interpersonal performance and ability to manage time and performance demands were much higher on training days. Additionally, other studies have shown that exercise programs can pay dividends for companies in reduced healthcare costs, absenteeism and stress, as well as increased morale and productivity.

3.Increased psychological well-being. A variety of studies have shown that people who exercise experience less depression, anger, mistrust and stress than people who do not exercise. Additionally, those who lead a fitness lifestyle tend to experience improved mood, improved self-esteem, increased personal satisfaction, improved body image, increased energy, and increased confidence in their physical abilities.

Inspired by Ezine and Tyrone Holmes