Health and fitness

Health related fitness

Health

The most extensively conventional definition of health is given by world health organization, WHO. According to WHO, the word health does not only mean absence of disease or ill-health. It is a state of total bodily, mental, societal well-being. Currently this statement has been modified slightly to include the capacity to lead a good social and economical life. The term health is basically a dynamic conception and the definition of health given by WHO is considered as an ideal description with little realistic approach.

Fitness

Physical fitness has two inter-related concepts such as general and specific fitness. Physical fitness can be accomplished with the help of right nourishment, work out and proper rest. Physical fitness is the capacity of body to function competently and efficiently, remain healthy, ability to oppose diseases and ability to handle crisis situations. Specific fitness comprises of the capacity to carry out specific activity with realistic efficiency.

What is Health related fitness?

Health and fitness are not separate terms but they go hand in hand. For instance, health cannot be achieved without fitness and vice versa. The general happiness of a person can be measured on the basis of components of health related fitness. The five components of health related fitness are:

• 1. Cardiovascular Stamina- It is also known by the name of aerobic health. It determines the capacity of a sports person to persist exercise over a long period of time such as while running, cycling and swimming. More is the cardiovascular stamina; more is the fitness and health of a person.
  2. Muscular Power- It means applying force against opposition. It could also be measured on the basis of largest weight lifted by a person or a biggest body pushed or pulled by a person. Having good muscular power signifies effective muscular health of a person.
  3. Elasticity- It refers to the free movement of joints in a person. More flexible body will be able to carry out exercises easily thereby maintaining good health.
  4. Muscular Stamina- The muscular stamina varies from muscular power as it is the capacity of a person to apply utmost force constantly. For instance while doing push ups for a long period of time.
  5. Body composition- It is generally calculated by the proportion of body fat present in a person.

Mandatory steps to maintain health and fitness

Health and fitness consist of information on men’s and women’s wellbeing and health. Both are inter-related and to maintain health and fitness, some things should be kept in minds which are discussed as follows:

• 1. Avoid Smoking- Smoking is very injurious to health. This is the statutory warning given on cigarettes pack but most of the people who are addicted to smoking never care for such warnings. Smoking is an addiction which tends to increase the metabolism of body slightly and increases the risk of lung cancer hugely. The only way to stay healthy and fit is to quit smoking.
  2. Intake of more water- Water is the most indispensable part of our lives. The body of human being comprises of 60 to 70 percent water and it is responsible for maintaining the smooth functioning of the body along with acting as a regulator of body temperature. Water is essential for carrying out all the metabolic activities of the body and hence it is necessary to keep the body hydrated for maintaining its proper functioning.
  3. Taking wholesome diet- To protect the body from dreadful diseases, one should take a balanced diet. This will improve the immune system of the body and will protect it from catching degenerative diseases like cancer.
  4. Flossing daily- the teeth should be flossed without fail to protect gums from diseases as gum diseases can lead to trigger of heart diseases.
  5. Drinking tea- Tea protects the body from harmful free radicals in the body which lead to ageing. Tea contains antioxidants which protects the body from cancer and other heart related diseases.
  6. Taking Proper Rest- Deep sleep refreshes the body completely and rejuvenates it for next day’s work. Restlessness affects the hormone levels in the body thereby affecting our metabolism. Deep sleep helps in repair and growth of cells. So it is necessary to sleep for eight hours in a day to restore the body functioning.
  7. Intake of proteins- The food should contain enough proteins as intake of proteins leads to release of a chemical called dopamine which helps us to remain active. Complex carbohydrates should be taken in diet rather than simple ones as they provide energy for longer periods of time.
  8. Maintaining fitness and remaining active- Any form of exercise has a positive effect on the metabolism of body. Aerobic exercise helps in improving metabolism of body and maintaining body postures. It burns calories and helps in keeping body fit.