It seems like everyone is busy these days, between work, home, social activities and managing personal relationships. With such a demanding schedule, fitness often gets sidelined, as if it’s so critical or something that can be put off until “tomorrow.” However, in reality, fitness should not be overlooked or taken for granted. Rather, it should be one of your top priorities. Here’s why:
It strengthens physical health
According to the World Health Organization, physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, causing 3.2 million deaths each year. This shows the importance of regular exercise in maintaining our overall health. Regular physical activity increases cardiovascular health, increases muscle strength, improves bone density, helps with weight management, and improves flexibility.
Improving mental well-being
Fitness is not just about physical health. Regular exercise also contributes to mental well-being. It helps relieve stress, improves mood, promotes better sleep, sharpens the mind and boosts self-confidence. It also supports the management of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Research shows that regular physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins – the body’s natural mood enhancers.
Strengthening the immune system
At a time when the world is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, now more than ever, fitness plays a key role in improving our immune system. Regular moderate-intensity exercise can strengthen the immune system by promoting good circulation, which allows immune cells and substances to move freely around the body and do their job more efficiently.
Increase energy levels
Regular physical activity can significantly increase your energy levels. This is because exercise improves your body’s efficiency at using oxygen and promotes better cardiovascular health, which increases energy. So if you’re constantly feeling tired, struggling to get through your day, incorporating regular workouts into your routine could be the solution.
Reducing the risk of chronic diseases
Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Physical fitness lowers blood pressure, improves insulin sensitivity, improves cardiovascular fitness, and helps maintain a healthy body weight.
It promotes healthy aging
As we age, our bodies naturally begin to decline, but fitness can help ward off many age-related ailments. Regular exercise can help maintain mobility and independence, reduce the risk of falls, improve mental function, reduce the risk of dementia and improve quality of life in old age.
It improves productivity and creativity
Exercise increases your ability to concentrate, think clearly and be more productive. It can also encourage creativity. A Stanford study found that walking can increase creativity by 60 percent.
Establishing a fitness routine may seem difficult, especially with a busy schedule, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. Start small and build gradually; the most important thing is to make a start. There is an activity to suit everyone, find yours and make fitness your priority today because, as Ralph Waldo Emerson so aptly said, “the first wealth is health.” So maintain your wealth by prioritizing your fitness and enjoy a happier, healthier and longer life.
