Many people strive to be fit.
Fitness, after all, is synonymous with health.
Better fitness also promotes more functionality and mobility throughout ones life span.
And fitness does not have a singular look.
In the real world, fitness translates to function, says Dr. Smith-Ryan.
For example, can you carry your groceries or walk up the stairs without getting winded?
Can you run around the backyard with your kids?
Can you climb the stairs?
Exercise is distinct from fitness because exercise is what you do to improve your fitness.
However, they are not synonymous.
But the guidelines note that flexibility exercises are important for physical fitness.
Exercise, by definition, puts stress on the muscles and the body.
The repairing or healing of that stress is how you get stronger (and fitter).
But you gotta give the body adequate rest after a workout for that recovery process to happen.
Dr. Sallis generally recommends doing some activity every day, such as a 10-minute walk outdoors.
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How Much Exercise Do You Need?
There is currently no recommendation for flexibility or mobility work, according to the HHS.
But older adults in particular should incorporate balance training into their weekly physical activity.
If you ate a heavier or later dinner the night before, you may not need anything.
If you have an intense workout ahead of you and are hungry, you may need a small snack.
If you recently ate a meal, you may be able to skip the snack entirely.
During Your WorkoutShorter workouts dont require mid-exercise fueling, but longer bouts ofendurance exercisedo.
Sports drinks are one option.
You get to work out whenever it fits into your schedule.
After that, consider collecting resistance bands or a set of dumbbells to up the intensity of strength training.
What you choose will depend on your preferences, budget, and the space available in your home.
For instance, a set of resistance bands is cheap and can be stored easily.
The Takeaway
Being fit is more than exercising at the gym.
Staying active can also improve your mood, focus, and sleep.
She earned her bachelor’s from the University of St. Thomas, majoring in biochemistry and minoring in theology.
She also completed an elective in medical writing and editing, working withAmerican Family Physicianmagazine.Dr.
She also creates editorial content and programming for Exos, a sports performance company.
Fetters earned both her bachelors and masters degrees in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
She works with trainees in person and online.
Karen Asp is an award-winning journalist who covers fitness, health, nutrition, pets, and travel.
She speaks frequently about healthy living on radio shows and podcasts, as well as on live TV.
She was previously an assistant editor atPreventionwhere she wrote monthly science-based beauty news items and feature stories.
