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With
all of the health and fitness information out there, and all
of the money we spend on doctors, health clubs, vitamins,
and diets, why is our culture in such terrible shape? Self-inflicted
illness from the neglect and abuse of our bodies is an epidemic
in America today. The Center For Disease Control, Surgeon
General, and virtually all of the medical and health authorities
are waking up to the cold hard truth that our sedentary lifestyle
is not only killing us, but has ushered in a host of health
problems. The research and authorities agree that the
lowest common denominator in living a healthy life is exercise
and nutrition. Without these two complimentary components,
there is no chance of building sustainable health and fitness.
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Research
and health authorities agree that the lowest common
denominator in living a healthy life is exercise and
nutrition
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Those
that ignore their exercise and nutrition are actually creating
the sickly, flabby, uncomfortable body that they end up being
trapped in while they helplessly watch as their health and
vitality slip away.
Those
who understand and take charge of their exercise and nutrition
are building a healthy body, creating health and strength,
cooperating with nature to achieve their best genetic potential,
and live with the enjoyment of feeling and looking their best.
Whatever
your current condition, you can choose to be building fitness,
or letting it slip away. Which will you choose? Its up
to you alone to decide how you will live.
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WHY
IS EXERCISE IMPORTANT?
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The
human body functions best when it is muscularly active regularly,
and receives the proper nutrients needed to support this muscular
activity. The human body functions poorly when it is sedentary,
and receives the wrong amounts and type of nutrients. All
of the systems that make up our body can support each other
and function in harmony when our body is fueling and using
its resources efficiently, and adapting to maximize it's potential.
(Use it of lose it).
(I
have yet to hear of a health care professional telling their
patient "You need to eat more junk food, and get less
exercise.")
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EXERCISE
THEN AND NOW..... |
In
past generations, people were muscularly active as a matter
of necessity. Before machines made life "easy"
for us, our forefathers lived by their physical activity,
chased wild game, dragged it home, plowed, planted, built
homes, chopped wood to heat and cook, walked, ran, lifted
heavy things, performed manual labor, washed clothes by hand.
Their food was scarce, whole, unprocessed. Sugar was a rarity.
Today
we don't even get out of our chair to change the TV channel.
We need our Garage door opener, can opener, indoor plumbing,
central heat and air (instead of chopped wood), automobiles,
and of course absolutely must have internet shopping. We'll
even drive up and down the mall parking lot for ten minutes
to get the best parking spot to avoid walking an extra 20
feet.
Modern
life has made our food plentiful, highly processed, loaded
with unnecessary sugar, served in huge quantities, and consumed
for it's flavor value instead of it's fuel and nutrition value.
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The
term "exercise" had little meaning
in years past, because exercise was an unspoken requirement
in everyday life. Our forefathers would never have
imagined that one day people would actually buy special
equipment for the sole purpose of exercise, and
actually run or lift heavy objects just for the exercise
value of the activity. What a strange concept to someone
that had to exercise all day everyday just to survive.
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It
is a fact that our body needs regular, intense exercise to
function properly. Most of us do not work at physically
demanding manual labor jobs, and therefore do not get the
proper exercise from our daily activities. So we must find
the most effective and efficient way to provide our body the
exercise it needs. Check out our article on strength
training and our great
articles link pages for more information on the best exercises.
Living
Strong Fitness Training can help you design an effective set
of exercises specifically for your physical condition.
A carefully tailored exercise program is the best way to guarantee
that you will get safe and lifelong benefit from your exercise.
SOME
BENEFITS OF EXERCISE.....
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Stronger
heart
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Increased
heart stroke volume |
Decreased
resting heart rate
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Lower
blood pressure
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Increased
cardiac output |
Increased
caloric expenditure
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Increased
Holds
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Increased
cholesterol ratio |
Increased
metabolism
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Increased
motor performance
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Decreased
stress and depression |
Increased
ability to metabolize fat
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Improved
sleep
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Stronger
bones |
Improved
immune function
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Decreased
body fat
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Improved
glucose tolerance |
Improved
quality of life
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Increased
ability to perform work with less fatigue (increased
functional ability)
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Increased
endurance, stamina, energy |
Increased
strength of connective tissue (muscles, tendons. ligaments)
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Portions
of this information were used by permission from SPORTS
COACH
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