Whenever questions about fitness arise, well over 90% of the time they are centered around losing weight or looking trim, and not actually about activity level or general fitness.
That’s a real shame. While losing weight can be a good goal for one to have, so long as it is done rationally and healthily, something more important to consider is health and overall fitness.
I’m not talking about how good your biceps look, I’m talking about how well your lungs work, how healthy your heart is, and how much physical activity you are able to do; we frequently call this being in shape, but many of us ignore the “being” in “being in shape,” instead focusing on our “shape.”
These three tips are general tips that I’m certain everyone has heard before. That’s good. But while reading these tips, try to think about how you can instantly apply them to your life, and, instead of thinking about weight loss or body image, think about how these tips can improve your health, your fitness, and, most importantly, your life.
Taking Frequent Walks
Walking is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your overall fitness level. Not only is it a low-impact form of exercise, but it also has a variety of health benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health, strengthening bones, and reducing stress.
One of the best ways to incorporate more walking into your daily routine is to take frequent breaks throughout the day to go for a walk. This can be as simple as taking a short walk around your office during lunch, or going for a walk with a friend after dinner.
In addition to the physical benefits, taking frequent walks can also have a positive impact on your mental well-being. Walking outdoors in nature has been shown to improve mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve cognitive function.
Find Enjoyable Exercise
Another important tip for improving your overall fitness level is to find an exercise that you enjoy. The key to sticking with an exercise routine is to find something that you look forward to doing, rather than something that feels like a chore. Pick a destination, and enjoy the journey, I would say.
There are a wide variety of exercise options to choose from, so it’s important to experiment and find something that you enjoy. Some people prefer high-intensity workouts like weightlifting or cardio, while others prefer low-impact activities like yoga or swimming.
If you’re not sure where to start, try a few different types of exercise to find what works best for you. You can also try working with a personal trainer or joining a group fitness class to help you find an exercise that you enjoy.
Some of the video-game-oriented people I know enjoy playing games that force them to be active, which is far more possible now than when Atari still roamed the earth and Pong was cutting edge. Using Virtual Reality goggles allows one to play games and move, motivating players with high scores and personal bests in unique, exciting ways.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential for overall health and fitness. Your body needs water to function properly, and being dehydrated can lead to a variety of negative effects, such as fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps.
It’s important to drink enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated. A good rule of thumb is to aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.
In addition to drinking water, you can also stay hydrated by eating foods that have a high water content, such as fruits and vegetables. You can also try drinking herbal teas or flavored water to add some variety to your hydration routine.
Fitness
Improving your overall fitness level is an important step towards leading a healthy, happy life. By taking frequent walks, finding enjoyable exercise, and staying hydrated you can make small but meaningful changes to your daily routine that will have a big impact on your health and well-being. Remember to take it easy, don’t get too hard on yourself, and enjoy the journey.
