The Importance of Fitness
Then the question is why Be Fit?
There are many health benefits associated with being physically active. To name a few:
- Decreased risk of Type 2 diabetes
- Decreased risk of hypertension (or high blood pressure)
- Improved cholesterol levels
- Improved mental health
- Better quality sleep
- Reduced anxiety
- Improved bone health
- Decreased risk of all-cause mortality
Motivation Is Key
You may need some encouragement when it comes to being active. What is going to motivate you to move? Come up with a few reasons why being active will help create a healthier you, such as:
- Being a positive role model for kids
- Decreasing the risk of developing high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes
- Maintaining a healthy weight
How Much Is Enough?
In 2018, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released the second edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Key guidelines encourage everyone to “move more and sit less”. Any physical activity is better than none at all but the following goals are recommended for adults:
- Do at least 2½ hours of moderate-intensity or 1¼ hours of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity a week.
- Include strength training using all of the major muscle groups two days a week or more.
- • For additional health benefits, increase moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity to 5 hours a week.
Healthy pregnant women should get at least 2½ hours of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity spread throughout the week. Women who are used to vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity are often able to continue physical activity during pregnancy after talking to their doctor.
Does Walking Count?
Walking slowly is considered a light-intensity activity. Brisk walking is an example of a moderate-intensity activity and includes walking and talking but not being able to sing. With vigorous-intensity physical activity, you can only say a few words without catching your breath. Regardless of the intensity, the goal is to be more active throughout the day!
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