Fitness is a word synonymous with health, strength, and vigor. Often when we hear the word fitness, we associate it with the phrase “being physically fit” in terms of our physical/cardiovascular/respiratory system; which is said to be achieved through adequate exercise, proper nutrition, and sufficient rest. Physical Fitness comprises two perceptions: Fitness (a state of health and well being) and Specific Fitness (ability to perform a task oriented physical course). In a hurried and electronic society of today, one is said to be physically fit if one can perform daily efficiency and effectiveness of activities during work and leisure.

General Fitness would be the choice for average everyday living which may include activities such as brisk walking, running, or cycling. However, for the Specific Fitness: activities geared more towards requirements for specific sports or occupation related functions, one might engage in movements such as aerobics for ski conditioning, quad gliding for ice skating, or jumping over objects activities for the law enforcement occupation. Regardless of the type of fitness one seeks, any Fitness Program should include intensifying these general essentials: Cardiovascular Endurance, Flexibility, Overall Strength, Muscular Stamina, Body Composition and General Skill Abilities.

As beneficial as fitness is to the physical body, we often forget the huge impact Physical Fitness also has on the human psyche and emotional well being. Mental Health describes either a level of cognitive or emotional well being. “Studies show that regular exercise helps to alleviate stress, lessen anxiety, and improve mild to moderate depression. In some cases, vigorous activity is more effective than medication or therapy, making exercise a first course treatment in matters of emotional health.” Source: Kids Exercise. This statement has been noted to be applicable in adolescence; but how much more does this concept apply to adults as well, especially if such seeks to teach children the importance of carrying a healthy lifestyle into adulthood. In the adult population, Physical Fitness holds the ability to prevent or treat many chronic health conditions brought on by unhealthy lifestyles and/or aging.

Personal case studies have led to these conclusions about a regular routine of exercise and physical exertion: Exercise gives you a better mental outlook on life, by stimulating hormone production and regulating the emotions one is less likely to constantly harbor unpleasant thoughts thereby leading to mental depression; The effects of regular exercise makes one feel good about their body and the idea that they are doing something good for themselves; The healthy functioning of the body achieved through exercise almost heavily influences one to also strive to eat more healthy as well; A regular routine of engorging the lungs with an ample supply of well oxygenated air and blood flow helps to strengthen the immune system where sickness is less likely to occur; Everyday tasks become easier to do and feels less of a struggle to accomplish: eliminating stress, fatigue, and the feelings of sluggishness; And good muscle tone, muscular strength, and definition improves the attractiveness of the body and how one feels in general about the overall appearance of their physique.

Physical Fitness is for everyone; however, there are limitations to the in depth participation of a growing child whose body is still maturing and developing. But by all means, adults should encourage their children to participate in some form of physical activity on a regular basis. The days as an Infant Teacher, Dance Instructor for Adolescents and Active Older Adult Strength Trainer has taught the understanding that exercise is important to each stage of life and without it life is less desirable than what it should be. Exercise is vital to the stage of life between infancy and being a crawler, exercise in the form of what is known as “floor time” allows the infant to use and strengthen their arms and legs by reaching and kicking in preparation for hand/knee contact with the floor during their first movements across the floor. During the adolescent years into our golden years, exercise plays a vital role in overall health and well being. By the time one becomes an active older and more mature adult, routine exercise necessitates physical strength and perpetuates adequate blood circulation throughout the body.

When activities are done together as a family it is much easier to enlist the participation of all members of the family. However, once as adults it takes more of an effort to get motivated. Most working adults settle for pushing paper across the desk and running the copier machine as their daily form of exercise. Yet, when they arrive home at the end of the day…they are usually anything but energized. They feel drained, sluggish, beat down, and somewhat depressed.

Taking out the time to do some type of cardiovascular aerobic activity at least 2 to 3 times a week really does help with an individual’s mental and emotional outlook on life, as well as increases physical benefits. With so many factors in life adding to woes, grief, and sorrow, physical aerobic activity is a simple heaven-sent natural tool for stress relief. Many irritable moments can be traced back to a sluggish hormonal/chemical imbalance due to a lack of stimulation via exercise. Regular exercise and aerobic activities not only benefit your outlook on life and physical physique, but it is also Fitness for Life!

Ms. Šahíyena Cheyenne has been a freelance writer since 1989. She has training as a Basic EMT, a CNA, and basic training in Health & Nutrition as a Certified Active Older Adult Strength Trainer and Fitness Instructor with the Y MCA of the U.S.A. and as a Certified Personal Traine. She can be contacted at www.cafesahiyena.com