Fitness benefits
Becoming fitter is a goal of many, with most people linking increased fitness with improved health and wellbeing. Improving fitness is possible for almost anybody, and even small and gradual steps to increase activity levels can prove effective at increasing fitness. Fitness by definition is the ability to perform, and therefore it is reasonable to conclude that increased fitness levels improve body functionality and well being. See the following list for major fitness benefits.
• Improved strength. Weight training and increased activity will result in improved muscular strength. Those focusing on improving strength will benefit from a weight training plan which incorporates the major compound exercises, such as the; squat, deadlift, bench press, over head press, and rows. Strength is commonly improved by performing exercises within the rep range of 1-6, although strength could be said to be relative to the task being performed.
• Increased endurance. Aerobic fitness, which trains the heart and lungs, will lead to improvements in endurance ability, being able to perform for longer and to an increased intensity.
• Flexibility. Greater activity levels will result in increased joint movement and function. Low impact exercise, such as swimming, is great for exercising the muscles through a great wide of motion. Flexibility work can be incorporated into a training program to ensure joint function and health.
• Speed. Exercise and increased activity levels will improve the abilities of the heart, lunges, circulatory system, and muscles. Improved performance and ability will enable for the same task to be performed at a greater speed.
• Weight management. Exercise increases energy expenditure, and therefore has a direct relationship with body weight. Consuming fewer calories than the body uses will commonly result in body weight loss, and therefore it is common for those wishing to decrease weight to begin calorie taxing exercise whilst following a calorie controlled diet.
• Increased muscle mass. Not only can increased muscle mass be more aesthetically pleasing, it also increases the metabolic rate. An increased metabolic rate means the body uses more calories at rest, and therefore can prevent fat gain.
• Better health. Regular exercise can improve health and wellbeing, both physically and mentally. Exercise can strengthen the heart and lungs; improving their ability to perform and therefore reducing their stress and effort, lowering blood pressure, risk of heart attack and stroke.
Look around the site for tips and advice on increasing fitness, no matter your goals or current ability.