Many people use the terms health and fitness interchangeably, but there is a difference. According to a widely cited peer-reviewed paper, fitness is a physical attribute, and health is an overall well-being.
Try to incorporate at least one hour of moderate exercise into your daily routine. If you have trouble fitting in an entire hour, break it up into shorter workout sessions throughout the day.
Exercise
Exercise is a key ingredient for achieving health and fitness. Contracting skeletal muscles releases multiple hormones that have important benefits, including reducing inflammation and stimulating the growth of new tissue.
Experts recommend moderate-intensity exercise — such as walking which makes you sweat or swimming that gets your heart rate up. It’s safe for most people and provides most of the disease-fighting benefits. Strength or resistance training is also important, as are balance exercises, which help prevent falls that can lead to temporary disability. Flexibility training helps you stay limber. Exercise is most effective when it’s a habit. A personal trainer or teacher can provide motivation and guidance, helping you track your progress and keep you committed to your routine.
Diet
Getting the right nutrition is essential for overall health and fitness. Fueling your body with healthy foods will help you perform at your best and recover faster from exercise. Choose a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, and avoid unhealthy fats. It’s also important to consume adequate amounts of micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals. (DISCLAIMER: Always consult a physician before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.) *Featured image via SheerLuxe.
Sleep
Sleep is one of the most important factors for health and fitness. It regulates nearly every system in the body, from muscle growth and repair to immune function and mood.
Studies show that getting adequate amounts of high-quality sleep can help you feel more energized and recover faster after exercising. In addition, it can also help you build lean muscles, maintain a healthy weight, and improve your overall quality of life.
Choosing to exercise on a consistent schedule, especially in the morning or at night, can also help you sleep better. It’s important to find a type of workout you enjoy and stick with it for weeks, months, or even years to see the full benefit. Our bodies love routine, and when you have a consistent schedule, your mind and body are more in tune with the natural rhythms that promote better sleep.
Stress Management
Stress management is an essential component of health and fitness. It is a wide range of techniques and psychotherapies that focus on controlling a person’s level of stress, especially chronic stress. Stress can hurt overall health and increase the risk of various diseases.
Stress is a normal part of life, but too much of it can lead to serious health problems. Stress is a response to a perceived threat that triggers physical reactions in your body and mind. It can also cause emotional reactions such as anger, irritability, sadness, and anxiety.
It can be difficult to identify the sources of stress. It is important to consider how different factors like lifestyle, work environment, and relationships contribute to your overall stress levels. Practicing stress management techniques can help you to relax and feel more centered. There are several ways to reduce stress, such as exercise, meditation, and sleep. Try to avoid unhealthy habits, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which can aggravate your stress.
