Physical Fitness and Facts You Should Know!
Did you know that 95% of Americans do not exercise the recommended 30 minutes we need daily? Also, according to http://www.fitness.gov/resource-center/facts-and-statistics/ 2 out of 3 children are not physically active every day. A 2009-2010 study showed that 78 million adults were obese. These statistics are a little startling personally. Many illnesses can be avoided or less severe if we put healthy standards in place regsrding our exercise habits. Studies have shown that 150 minutes of moderate activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week contributes greatly to our overall health. Click on the following link to see activities along with the calorie amounts burned while participating. http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/physical_activity/index.html
Physical Fitness
What is physical fitness? The online Medical Dictionary, http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/physical+fitness, says physical fitness is "a state of physiologic well being that is achieved through a combination of good diet, regular physical exercise, and other practices that promote good health." The BENEFITS of being physically fit are endless!
1. Maintaining a healthy weight. 2. Reducing the risk of major illnesses like Cardiovascular Disease, some types of cancer and Type 2 Diabetes. 3. Boosts mental health and reduce the risk of depression. 4. Strengthens bones and muscles. 5. Improve your ability to do regular daily activities like climb the stairs or lift heavy objects. 6. Look more fit and fit better in your clothes! 7. Sleep better at night. 8. Feel more awake when you are awake. 9. Live longer! Everyone should want that! 10. Enables you to help others physically and with encouragement regarding a healthy lifestyle. Make Exercise FUN! |
BMIBody Mass Index to be exact! Have you ever calculated your BMI? If not, now is a great time to start! First, let me tell you what it is. BMI is "a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women" according to http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm. If you would like to calculate your BMI, click on the link above to go to the National Institute of Health's website. Use the calculator to enter in your height and weight to find out where you stand regarding BMI.
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Types of Exercise
Stand or walk while reading! If you like to read, try reading and casually walking around the house or through the park. Preferably not in places filled with people so you do not injure yourself or someone else. Even just standing while reading can burn 20-50 more calories per hour! If you are a student and must study four hours a day, you can potentially burn at least 80 and up to 200 calories in four hours if you stand while studying or reading. The average 130 pound woman only burns 78 calories and hour which brings her to slightly over 600 calories in one day, per http://www.livestrong.com/article/73916-calories-burned-standing-vs.-sitting/. If she has a Chik-fila 8 count grilled nugget meal with fries and a diet coke she has almost met her limit for the day. That's without sauce or ketchup! Finding small ways to burn extra calories goes a long way when when add it all up at the end of the day.
Walk your dog! If you don't have a dog, walk someone else's dog. Walking a dog, for someone who is around 150 pounds, can burn up to approximately 200 calories per hour! If you would like to know how many calories are burned by a certain activity go to http://www.caloriecount.com/calories-burned-walking-dog-a498 for an estimate!
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Play Video Games! Not just the average sit in front of your TV for 6 hours on a Saturday night video games but the ones that get you up and moving! JUST DANCE!! My favorite video game! This game gets you up off your feet and can help you burn calories while having fun! There is also Wii bowling and yoga or Wii skiing! There are so many games coming out that allow us to get some exercise while playing that we are remiss to the fun to be had if we don't take advantage!
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