Picture taken with Infinix Hoti
I read somewhere that being physically fit or exercising is not a punishment; it is a celebration of what your body can do. I am a bodybuilding enthusiast, and I have been this way for every year of my life since I was, say, 15 years old.
I have built a lifestyle around physical fitness, one that did not necessarily start because of health, but since I took the path of saving lives as a doctor, it became an important part of it too.
Have you not read or seen the benefits of being physically active? It reduces the risk of diseases, especially cardiovascular disease. It builds strength and fights mental health issues. If you haven’t or you would like a refresher, then in this post, I will be taking you through some of these benefits, and broadly, we will be learning about the benefits of exercise.
Benefits of Physical Fitness
I think humans, by design, were not meant to be sedentary. If you consider the lifestyle of ancestral humans when they were hunter-gatherers, it was all dependent on physical activity. I think drifting away from that way of living takes a toll on the body and the mind. It is well known that those who exercise have stronger bones, are able to lift more, and can endure more.
Some chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension have risk factors that are related to physical activity. In one study that included 650,000 people, it was found that physical activity reduced the incidence of coronary heart disease by 20 to 30 percent in men and 10 to 20 percent in women.
In recent research, it was found that those who engage in mild to moderate physical activity tend to experience fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Aesthetically, those who are fit look better besides feeling and functioning better. Being within the normal weight-for-height class among individuals has the benefits of not only being healthy but also looking attractive. It’s an added advantage that is worth looking into.
There is evidence showing that when children are not involved from a young age in any sport, there are very significant consequences that can ensue over time. Master athletes are also known to do better in terms of health than those their age.
Staying Physically Fit
So many people struggle with staying physically active because they do not have the information you are getting right now. Some people would be more motivated to stay active if they knew of its benefits. Some people need to see it work for them before they can believe it really works.
If you are struggling with staying physically fit for the latter reason, then there are ways to go about keeping the weight off and building beautiful muscles.
The most important thing is to find ways within the day, even if it means going to the gym at night. Making exercise a priority means you are a priority. The first step to staying physically fit is to make out time for the activity.
Most people don’t enjoy being physically active because they have not found an activity that is worth their time. Some people do not like bodybuilding, but they fall in love with swimming immediately. The key is to stay with the problem till you find a solution.
Make being fit a part of your day. Instead of taking the elevator for a few flights of stairs, take the stairs, park the car a few hundred meters from your office, walk if it’s a short distance, and do chores at home.
If you have started making fitness a part of your day, one way to really level up and see results is to join a fitness class or have a workout partner who is motivated and will hold you accountable. When you get to the gym for the first time, it is important to be mindful of what you can do and not what others are doing.
Your gym partner is supposed to be there to motivate you, not cajole you into hurting yourself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, physical fitness is not a punishment, but a celebration of what your body can do. Engaging in physical activity reduces the risk of diseases, builds strength, and fights mental health issues.
Staying physically fit involves finding an activity that works for you and making it a priority in your day. Joining a fitness class or having a workout partner can also be helpful for accountability and motivation. Making physical fitness a part of your lifestyle can lead to both aesthetic and health benefits.
What inspired you to prioritize physical fitness in your life? Have you noticed any changes in your physical and mental health after incorporating regular exercise into your routine?