National Health And Fitness Day: What Does Fitness Really Mean?

June fourth marks National Fitness Day! Daily physical activity for many people is on the decline and preventable illness is on the rise. Canada has dedicated this day to encourage all Canadians to get out and get active to reach the goal of becoming the Fittest Nation on Earth. But what does being fit really mean? For many of us, the term fit means maintaining a healthy weight with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. However, in biological terms, being fit translates to being able to provide for your own well-being and those who are the fittest do it best.  This more closely represents what you should be working towards in terms of being fit. What can you do to be fit? This article will break down several components of physical fitness that can help you achieve optimal well-being.

4 Components Of Physical Fitness

1. Cardiorespiratory Endurance
Cardiorespiratory endurance measures how well your body performs during long periods of exercise. Cardiorespiratory fitness refers to the capacity of the circulatory and respiratory systems to provide oxygen to muscles for energy production needed during physical activity. Why is this important? Strong cardiorespiratory endurance indicates a healthier and stronger heart as you are able to sustain an elevated heart rate for long periods of time. It is also a good indication of your overall health and can reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes. To improve your cardiorespiratory endurance, try some cardio exercises such as:

  • Walking
  • Biking
  • Swimming
  • Running
  • Participating in sports like soccer, ultimate frisbee, football etc.

2. Flexibility
Flexibility is the range of motion around your joints. Maintaining good flexibility will prevent injuries to your joints and muscles. It will also allow you to perform your exercises safely and accurately so you can avoid injuries from incorrect form. It is recommended to stretch for at least 10-15 minutes per day. If you suffer from a sore back or neck, try stretching for longer to allow for additional release in the muscle. Yoga and Pilates classes are a great way to improve your flexibility. Different types of yoga classes also combine strengthening and flexibility within the practice. 

3. Muscular Strength
Muscular strength refers to the ability of your muscles to exert force during an activity. Strength training (also referred to as weight training) uses your muscles against resistance. This could be in the form of using a barbell, dumbbell, squat rack, or your own body weight against gravity. Weight training is extremely important for an overall effective exercise program. Weight lifting allows your muscles to grow stronger which will help to improve your cardio as well. If you are new to strength training or don’t know where to start, consider working with a personal trainer. Not only will they get you on the right track to reaching your goals right away, they will also ensure you are doing so safely by teaching you correct form for each strength training exercise so you can avoid injury and learn to exercise safely on your own. 

4. Body Composition
Body composition is the relative amount of muscle, fat, bone, and other vital parts of the body. Body composition is a more accurate evaluation of overall health as compared to the scale or BMI (body mass index). It is important to maintain a healthy body composition to avoid potential health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and stroke. You can have a body fat analysis performed to measure your starting point and what you need to work towards. By implementing healthy diet changes and engaging in regular exercise, you will be able to improve your body composition. 

Get Fit With The Help Of Calgary’s #1 Fitness Trainers At Dreambody Fitness

Being physically fit means more than just having a toned figure. Being fit measures your overall well-being, how healthy your body is, and how well you are taking care of it. Having fitness or weight loss goals can be achieved through commitment and hard work if you are willing to put in the effort. By improving your fitness, you will not only be working towards your ideal body weight and shape, but you will also be preventing many potential health concerns in the future. Working with a personal trainer will hold you accountable for completing your exercise program and achieving your fitness and weight loss goals. 

To find out more about improving your fitness and how you can become the strongest and healthiest version of yourself, contact Dreambody Fitness by calling 1-403-612-3538 or by filling out our online contact form. From customized workout plans to around-the-clock support, our personal trainers and coaches at Dreambody Fitness can help you shed pounds, build muscle, hold you accountable, and improve your fitness in a safe and healthy way.

FAQ

Q: How often should I exercise if I am just starting?
A: If you are just starting your exercising journey, get yourself into a routine where you are not forcing yourself to work out. Go for a short walk once per day or stretch in the mornings to get started with your routine. If you begin to build consistency, then you can start adding in strenuous exercise routines more often.

Q: How long does it take to start seeing results in the gym?
A: This answer will vary from person to person depending on their exercise regimes and fitness goals. Most people start to notice results from consistently working out and eating a healthy diet within 3-6 months.

Q: Do I have to do both cardio and weight training?
A: It is recommended to incorporate both kinds of training into your exercise program to ensure you build muscle while improving your cardio to strengthen your heart.

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