Find the Time to Stay Physically Fit


With work, family obligations, household chores and errands it can be a real challenge to find time during the day to exercise. The busier we are the easier it is to make excuses as to why we’re not as physically fit as we could be. However, finding time to exercise is very important and just by exercising 30 minutes a day, three days a week you can see real improvements in your fitness level.

Physical fitness involves keeping all of our body’s systems healthy and conditioned to withstand physical stress. Everyone is different and therefore has different needs when it comes to fitness. The amount of physical activity we need to do to remain physically fit varies from person to person, however there are some key elements of fitness each of us must consider in order to get a good idea of our own fitness level.

Aerobic exercises such as running, biking, swimming or jumping rope are key to improving endurance and heart health. Aerobic capacity is an index of your cardiovascular system’s ability to transport oxygen to working muscles. The more you train the more oxygen will be pumped around the body. In order to see the most results, you should exercise at least three times a week for a minimum of 20 minutes.

Body structure, composition and balance also play important roles in our overall fitness level. Physical therapists can determine our body structure by looking for imbalances in the way we stand or move when we walk. Small imbalances in body structure can lead to pain and injury. Body composition is the ratio of body fat to lean muscle. This ratio often serves as a good indicator of our true fitness level. If you have difficulty balancing, it could mean that you need to develop your legs and your core. The stronger and more flexible your muscles are the better you will be able to balance; with better balance you will be able to get more from your training.

Physical fitness is vital for everyone who wishes to lead a happy and productive life. By carving out time during the day to exercise and by reducing bad habits like smoking, drinking or eating junk food, each of us can improve our overall health.

Reach Out for Expert Physical Therapy and Get Back to Your Active Lifestyle!