Why is Fitness Training Good for You?
We are all hearing the mantra about the benefits of daily exercise today, but is a fitness training program really a necessary step to better health? After all, in our culture today, we barely have time to make it through the fast food drive-through for dinner many nights. Who has time to don the workout gear and head to the gym? It turns out that fitness training really is a key factor in a healthier lifestyle. And besides the health benefits that most of us have heard about, there is a whole host of other positives they you may not realize.
Good for your Mental Health
Fitness training isn't just good for your body; it's good for your mind as well. There are numerous studies that have shown that people who exercise regularly tend to have more energy and a positive mental outlook. Exercise has shown to be good for conditions like depression, premenstrual syndrome and menopause. The endorphins that are released during a workout are known as the "feel good" hormones because they can leave you feeling calmer and happier. Fitness training can make you sleep better and may even boost your immune system so that you get sick less often.
Good for your Physical Health
Fitness training can help you to keep your weight in check, and when your weight is in the healthy range, the rest of your body will follow suit. Strength training, which should be a part of any fitness training program, will keep your bones and muscles strong, preventing conditions like osteoporosis as you get older. Cardiovascular exercise that raises your heart rate will keep your cardiovascular system in top condition, reducing your risk for a heart attack or stroke throughout your life. Flexibility workouts will keep your muscles and joints strong and prevent injuries in the later years of life.
Getting Started
The first step in beginning a fitness training program should be to your doctor's office for a thorough checkup; so that you know your body is ready for the work that lies ahead. When you begin to create a fitness training program that is tailored to your specific needs, keep in mind that the most effective workout will combine cardiovascular exercise, strength training and flexibility work. This means a program that incorporates activities like walking or jogging with lifting weights and stretching exercises for maximum benefit.
Once you begin your fitness training program, you will start to reap the benefits in as little as a month to six weeks. You may see an increase in your energy level, less aches and pains when you get up in the morning, and a tightening of those parts of the body that needed some trimming. Seeing results like this will make it easier to stick with your fitness training program until you reach your goals and for the rest of your life.
