The Benefits of Fitness

Fitness is a lifestyle choice that improves health and well-being. Generally, this is achieved through proper nutrition, moderate-vigorous exercise, and sufficient rest or a formal recovery plan. In addition, it can help reduce the risk of chronic disease. Here are some of the benefits of fitness: Improved sleep, improved reproductive success, and decreased risk of chronic diseases.

Reduces risk of chronic disease

Exercise has many benefits and can reduce the risk of chronic disease. It improves blood pressure and insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation, and protects brain cells. It also reduces visceral fat and can help people lose weight. An average adult needs to perform at least 150 minutes of aerobic and strength training each week.

Exercise is a cost-free way to lower the risk of chronic disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who exercise regularly are less likely to develop chronic diseases. Exercise can help manage symptoms of chronic diseases and even reverse the progress of some.

Improves reproductive success

Reproductive success is the ability of an individual to reproduce. Both males and females are subject to limitations on their reproductive success. For females, these limitations include gestation time and lactation, which suppresses ovulation. These factors are important, but alone, these factors are not sufficient to ensure successful reproduction. In order to overcome these limitations, females must devote more of their time and energy to reproduction.

While there are many ways to measure reproductive success, a common definition is the number of offspring produced, and the proportion of fertile offspring produced. Understanding reproductive success is critical to understanding Natural Selection. When an individual has a heritable trait that improves reproductive success, that trait will be selected over time. This will increase the frequency of the RS-enhancing allele.

Improves sleep

Studies have shown that moderate physical activity, including jogging or swimming, can improve sleep. Other types of exercise that promote better sleep include yoga or tai chi. Some people even find that moderate exercise, such as walking briskly, can improve their mood and mental health. In addition to moderate exercise, bright light helps regulate body clocks and promotes sleep at night. It may also reinforce circadian rhythms, which are especially beneficial for older adults.

While exercise can improve your sleep quality, it is important to find an activity that you enjoy. Simple, low-impact exercises promote better sleep than rigorous exercises. Choose an activity you will enjoy, and be consistent with it.