The Importance Of Physical Fitness

As far as the dictionary meaning is concerned, physical fitness is a general state of

good physical health. Obtaining and maintaining physical fitness is a result of
physical activity, proper diet and nutrition and, of course, of proper rest for
physical recovery. In its simplest terms, physical fitness is to the human body what
fine-tuning is to an engine. It enables people to perform up to their potential.
Regardless of age, fitness can be described as a condition that helps individuals
look, feel and do their best. Thus, physical fitness trainers describe it as the ability
to perform daily tasks vigorously and alertly, with leftover energy to enjoy leisuretime activities and meet emergency demands. Specifically true for senior citizens,
physical fitness is the ability to endure, bear up, withstand stress and carry on in
circumstances where an unfit person could not continue.
For anybody in order to be considered physically fit, the heart, the lungs, and
muscles have to perform at a certain level. In other words, all the parts of the body
have to act properly so that the individual continues feeling capable of performing
an activity. At the same time, since what humans do with their bodies directly
affects the state of mind, fitness influences to some degree qualities such as mental
alertness and emotional expression.
Physical fitness is often divided into the following categories in order that people
may be able to examine its components or parameters. Particularly, physical fitness
is judged by:
1. Cardiovascular endurance : This is the ability of the body to deliver oxygen and
nutrients to tissues and to remove wastes over sustained periods of time.
2. Muscular strength and endurance : Strength deals with the ability of the muscle
to exert force for a brief time period, while endurance is the ability of a muscle, or
group of muscles, to sustain repeated contractions or to continue to apply force
against an inert object.
3. Flexibility : This denotes the ability to move joints and use muscles through
their full range of motion.
4. Body composition : Considered as one of the components of fitness,
composition refers to the body in terms of lean mass (muscle, bone, vital tissue,
and organs) and fat mass. Actually, the optimal ratio of fat to lean mass is an
indication of fitness. Performing the right set of exercises can help people get rid of
body fat and increase or maintain muscle mass.

J.F. Kennedy has rightly said, Physical fitness is not only one of the most
important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual
activity. This statement clearly shows us the importance of physical fitness. But
what is physical fitness? Well, it is a state or condition in which both your body
and your mind are healthy and physically sound (by taking in proper nutrition and
maintaining a good workout schedule). It is not necessary for a person who is
physically fit to have a lean body, that can be achieved by maximum calories
burned. Rather, one should have strong body endurance, along with good muscle
strength and cardiovascular fitness. It is also important to remember that a
physically fit body is generally accompanied by a happy and satisfied state of
mind.
Todays world is very competitive and nobody can escape hectic schedule of life.
Earlier, peoples lifespan used to be longer than present lifespan. Because earlier
people lived in different lifestyle and different working style. But todays people
are working under stressful condition and as a result, they are suffering from many
diseases. Physical fitness is very essential for good health to live and lead a happy
life. To achieve physical fitness we need to have minimal diet habits, regular
exercise and good sleep. These three basic things are very essential in every
individuals life. Physical inactivity is one of the leading causes of death in both
developing and developed countries, responsible for an estimated 22-23% of
CHID, 16-17% of colon cancer, 15% of diabetes, 12-13% of strokes and 11% of
breast cancer. Physical activity is associated with a decreased risk of coronary heart
disease (CHD).
A survey has found that urban people are more prone to health problems than rural
people. Women are facing many more health problems than men do. As you start
ageing, you will lose 20 percent of your bodys water content, 60 percent of your
ability to taste, 35 percent of your ability to pump blood from the heart, about 3
inches in height. Therefore, we need to know the importance of physical fitness.