| Exercise is the key to achieving optimal health and | | | | developing specific parts of the body. For example, |
| remaining fit. Being fit involves the use of different | | | | pilates and yoga improve balance, flexibility and |
| components of the body which include the muscles, | | | | muscular control. An aerobic workout helps to |
| lungs, cardiovascular and skeletal system among | | | | activate the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems |
| others. | | | | and weight training focuses on building muscle mass |
| Exercise aids fitness in several ways. For example, | | | | and toning the body. However, even though these |
| vigorous physical activity causes the heart muscles to | | | | exercises target a specific focus group, exercise in |
| work harder. This leads to increased blood flow | | | | general is beneficial for the entire body. |
| throughout the body that helps circulate oxygen to | | | | Moderate exercise for just 30 minutes a day, 5 days |
| the tissues and also eliminates the cellular waste | | | | a week will go a long way in achieving optimal fitness. |
| products from the body. | | | | There are a variety of simple exercises that can be |
| During exercise, we tend to inhale deeply and thus | | | | done without any special equipment or training. These |
| draw in extra oxygen that not only helps power the | | | | include taking a brisk walk, taking the stairs where |
| heart but also the tissues of the body. When we | | | | ever possible, going for a short jog everyday or |
| exhale, we rid the body of carbon monoxide, a | | | | even skipping. |
| waste product produced as a result of biochemical | | | | For those who prefer more vigorous forms of |
| reactions that take place in the body. | | | | activity, a good tennis game, running an hour on the |
| Regular and age appropriate exercise helps prevent | | | | treadmill or exercise bike, swimming a few laps |
| obesity. It also helps to increase the HDL | | | | around the pool or spinning can help raise your fitness |
| (High-Density Lipoprotein) levels in the body. HDL are | | | | and energy levels much higher. |
| types of good cholesterol that actually benefit the | | | | There are always a variety of classes available at |
| body by regulating the sugar levels and converting | | | | gyms and even home gym equipment that can be |
| the stored fat into sugars thereby producing energy. | | | | bought for people who are committed to keeping |
| Most people exercise with the main aim of achieving | | | | themselves fit on a regular basis. A daily routine that |
| a well toned body, increasing muscle mass and to | | | | involves free weight training and a short jog around |
| look and feel healthy. It also helps over time to | | | | the park is enough to keep the body systems |
| improve balance, strength and increase endurance as | | | | functioning well and healthy. |
| well. | | | | Thus, it has been rightly said by Aristotle that "To |
| There are different exercise routines that aim at | | | | function well is to live well". |