| Are you fit, fat or just a little flabby on the side? Are | | | | physically fit, but the rewards far out-weigh the |
| you short of breath after climbing a flight of stairs? | | | | difficulties. Physically fit people are seldom overweight |
| Does a day spent shopping at the mall wear you out | | | | and often have impressive physiques that others |
| and leave you aching all over? You don't have to be | | | | envy. |
| a medical expert to determine if you are fit or not. | | | | In addition, exercise lessens our urge to eat and |
| It pays to be fit. In general, physical fitness refers | | | | increases our fluid intake. It also helps the circulation |
| simply to a general state of being in good physical | | | | of our blood. |
| health. It is the result of regular physical activity, | | | | Mentally, being physically fit also has its rewards such |
| proper nutrition and enough rest for the body to | | | | as peace of mind and a general self-assurance and |
| allow full physical recovery. | | | | readiness to face the physical, emotional and mental |
| Fit persons are able to deal with the daily stresses of | | | | challenges of everyday life. |
| life better than the rest of us, both on a physical and | | | | The hardest part of going on a fitness regimen is |
| emotional level. Stress is a well-known killer that | | | | getting started. But once you've hit the weight room |
| takes its toll on people after prolonged periods of | | | | or started on your aerobics program, you will see |
| time. Some widely-practiced stress busters include | | | | exactly how your body benefits in a few short |
| regular exercise, physical therapy, massage and | | | | weeks and will therefore be encouraged to stick to |
| activities that can relax and sooth our nerves such as | | | | your regimen. Remember that in matters of exercise, |
| luxuriating in a nice, hot bath. Generally speaking, the | | | | you get exactly what you put in, so the harder you |
| more fit you are, the better equipped you are to | | | | exercise, the more you benefit. |
| handle stress. | | | | Walking is an effective and simple fitness activity |
| A person's overall physical fitness level takes into | | | | that is a good starting point for your regimen. Other |
| account his flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, | | | | effective fitness activities include running, swimming, |
| muscular strength and endurance, body composition, | | | | aerobics, water aerobics, aero boxing, cycling, |
| agility, balance and speed. | | | | strength programs (weights), martial arts and a host |
| It takes a certain amount of time and sacrifice to be | | | | of hybrid gym aerobic programs. |