Physical fitness is one of the most important aspects of a person’s lifestyle. It not only helps people stay healthy, but it also gives them more energy and makes them happier. The benefits of physical fitness are undeniable, and here are some statistics to back that up.
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), physical activity can help people reduce their risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
- The CDC also reports that regular physical activity can help people maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress levels, and improve sleep quality.
- A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that physically active people had a lower risk of depression than inactive people.
- A study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that physically active people had a lower risk of dying from all causes over six years.
Physical fitness is beneficial for people’s health and well-being. It’s something everyone should make a priority in their lives. However, it might not be a simple path for those who want to be fit. Here are a few things to remember if you’re trying to make fitness a part of your lifestyle:
Start Slowly
It can be tempting to want to jump into an intense workout routine when you first start trying to get fit. After all, videos of people working out in fast-paced, high-intensity workouts are all over social media. While those people make it look easy, starting slowly when you’re just beginning a fitness journey is essential.
If you try to do too much too soon, you’re likely to get injured or burn out quickly. It’s better to start with a few days of moderate activity and then gradually increase the intensity and frequency of your workouts. You can start with simple things like walking or doing some light cardio. Once you notice that your activities are easy to accomplish, you can amp up the intensity.
Still, you might feel lightheaded and dizzy after your first few workouts. This is normal and usually goes away after a few days as your body gets used to the new activity. If you experience these symptoms for more than a few days, take a break from working out and consult a doctor.
Find an Activity You Enjoy
Finding an activity you enjoy is the key to making fitness a part of your lifestyle. That way, working out regularly won’t feel like a chore. There are endless possibilities when it comes to finding an enjoyable activity. You can try hiking, biking, swimming, running, playing team sports, or taking exercise classes.
Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find something that works for you. And don’t worry if you don’t like the activity you first try. You can always find something else to do. Sports usually require a fitness level to participate, so they can be a great way to get in shape while also having fun.
Set Realistic Goals
When you’re first starting on your fitness journey, it’s essential to set realistic goals. Trying to accomplish too much too soon will likely lead to disappointment and frustration. Start by setting small, achievable goals that you can gradually work up to when trying to stay fit. For example, if your goal is to run a marathon, start by training for a 5K race. Once you accomplish that goal, you can increase your training distance until you can complete a marathon.
It’s also important to remember that not every workout has to be perfect. There will be days when you don’t feel like working out or can’t make it to the gym. That’s OK. Please don’t beat yourself up over it. Just get back on track with your next workout.
Watch Out for Injuries
When working out regularly, it’s essential to be aware of the signs of injuries. Overuse injuries are common in people who are new to exercise. These injuries usually occur when you do too much too soon or don’t take enough rest days.
The most common overuse injuries include the runner’s knee, Achilles tendonitis, and shin splints. If you experience joint pain or swelling, take a break from exercise and consult a doctor. It will be necessary to consult with an experienced physical therapist when you’re ready to start exercising again to make sure you don’t aggravate the injury.
Final Thoughts
Making fitness a part of your lifestyle requires commitment and effort. However, it’s worth it to live a healthier life. Start slowly, find an activity you enjoy, set realistic goals, and be aware of injuries. With these things in mind, you’ll be on a successful fitness journey.