While half the world is battling with all sorts of health issues, so to speak, the other half seems to be up to their elbows with fitness fads and theories.
It’s one of the hottest hash-taggable subject on IG and no less popular on Facebook as well, with fitness enthusiasts posting up photos of their impressive results following diligent fitness practices.
Most of us tend to gather our knowledge on fitness from experts, gurus and even internet stars who seem to know what they’re talking about. All of these can be helpful in forming a core fitness belief; however, there is always more than one side to everything, including fitness.
Fitness facts that are both fun and useful to know, so long as they’re from trusted sources. Read on to broaden your fitness knowledge.
No pain, no gain?
This old-fashioned theory of exercise should have died a long time ago, especially since it left a trail of injured people who exercised themselves right to their hospital beds. Actually, fitness pursuits should be fun and challenging, but they should not hurt. When you are engaged in active exercise at the appropriate level for you, you should be able to talk, laugh and feel good. If any of those qualities are missing from your fitness routine, you are doing it wrong. For maximum results, dial it back a little bit to a point where you are comfortably challenged.
Just keep moving and health will be yours
Lots of people think that doing just a little bit of exercise is a big waste of time. The generally accepted theory is that you have to exercise vigorously at least half an hour every-other day to get any benefits at all. You will be happy to know that this is hogwash. Anything you add to your activity level on a regular basis will make some difference in your overall health and fitness level. Keep things within reason though. For example, don’t expect 6-pack abs by choosing to take the stairs instead of the elevator every day, but instead, do look forward to the potential of reducing your blood pressure and improving your overall cardiovascular health.
Play with kids
If you’re a parent, aunt, uncle or grandparents for that matter, have you ever took time off to just play with the kids in the family? Even if you did, we’re pretty sure you would not have summed that off as exercise, just because it was fun, when the fact is, vigorous play outdoors burns up calories and keeps you fit just as well as power walking! Aside from that, it has the benefit of strengthening your ties with your loved ones and putting a smile on your face as well as theirs. All-in-all, playtime is fun, productive and vitally important to your health, fitness and well-being. Now, isn’t that something to think about?
Age is not a factor
It is never too late to start exercising, and every hour that you spend exercising may pay off in your life span! Even if you are middle aged or elderly, exercising at an appropriate level will help you keep your energy levels up, retain and improve flexibility and mobility and improve your muscle tone and general health. Gentle exercise such as walking, stretching and even slow dancing will improve your health and the quality of your life.
Let’s lift some weight
Lifting weights (even little ones) is a great way to keep your body young. After the age of thirty, we start to lose lean muscle as well as bone density. Weight-bearing exercise helps combat the loss of muscle mass and bone mass. Working out with light hand weights while watching TV and/or going for a stroll can help you maintain your youthful figure and keep your skeleton strong.
Don’t wait, today’s the day to begin!
Many people are afraid to start exercising because they think it will just be too hard or will not really help. Clearly, any level of exercise begun at any time in your life will boost your fitness level and help you enjoy your life more. Combine a positive, can do attitude and a handful of these fitness facts to improve your fitness level today.
