One thing that you should realize is that optimal health is a lifestyle. It does not happen overnight so you need the self-discipline to achieve it. How is fitness associated with optimal health then?
As stated above, getting optimal health means living an active and sickness-free life. In order to have this kind of physical health, you need to be fit. Of course, if you easily get tired because you have low stamina, you cannot be active all throughout the day. Also, you cannot call an obese person healthy either.
On the other hand, being fit allows you to do more things in a day. You will have enough energy to keep you active though you have been moving around from morning even until late in the evening. Also, being fit means you have a better resistance against sickness so it means that you are totally healthy.
Well, a plus point of why fitness is essential to achieve optimal health is appearing presentable. Yes, a good body shape can also contribute to your optimal health. Feeling attractive and confident of yourself is an indication that you have a healthy self-image—and it is part of optimal health.
Overall, you should understand that your physical health has a big impact on the other areas of your life. No matter how intelligent you are if you are sick, you still cannot use your mind properly. Even if you have no reason to get depressed but you are easily exhausted, surely you would feel sulky. Therefore, you should never take fitness for granted if you do not want it to happen to you.
Stand up when you eat your apple a day! Too much sitting and other sedentary activities can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. One study showed that adults who watch more than 4 hours of television a day had an 80% higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
Being more active can help you:
- lower your blood pressure
- boost your levels of good cholesterol
- improve blood flow (circulation)
- keep your weight under control
- prevent bone loss that can lead to osteoporosis
All of this can add up to fewer medical expenses, interventions, and medications later in life!
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. You can knock that out in just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. And every minute of moderate to vigorous activity counts toward your goal.
Reference: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/why-is-physical-activity-so-important-for-health-and-wellbeing
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