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WHY PHYSICAL FITNESS?

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CHANGING LIFESTYLES

• The recent widespread interest in health and preventive medicine has led to a tremendous increase in the number of people participating in physical fitness programs.

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The most common health problems in the U.S. have changed since the beginning of

the 20th century.

• 1900 – Infection was the

leading cause of disease.

• Recent progress in medicine has largely eliminated such diseases.

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Increase in chronic diseases.

• As the incidence of chronic diseases increased

• Prevention emerged as the best medicine.

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FITNESS AND LONGEVITY

• Fitness is important in the fight against chronic diseases, particularly those of the cardiovascular system

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Cardiovascular Mortality Rates • Dropped by 34 % - More than half of

the decline is attributed to improvements in diet and fewer people smoking.

• Health lifestyle habits include abstaining form tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, and drugs

Cardiovascular Research clearly indicates that fitness improves wellness, quality of life, and longevity

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The Differences between

Physical Activity and

Exercise

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Physical Activity

• Physical Activity– “Bodily movement

produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure and produces progressive health benefits.”• Walking to and from work or

the store• Taking stairs instead of

elevators and escalators• Gardening, household

chores, dancing

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Exercise• Exercise

– “Planned, structured and repetitive bodily movement done to improve or maintain one or more components of physical fitness.”

• A regular weekly program– Walking, Jogging, Cycling,

Aerobics, Swimming

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Longevity - Longer Life

• Primarily vigorous activities are associated with greater longevity

• Brisk Walking, Jogging and Swimming

• Racquet sports: Tennis, Racquetball

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Fitness level of American Youths

• Surveys conducted during the past decade suggest Cardio-respiratory endurance and upper body strength have decreased and body fat has increased.

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So………. WHAT IS PHYSICAL FITNESS?

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Individuals are physically fit when they can:

• Meet the ordinary as well as the unusual demands of daily life safely and effectively without being overly fatigued.

• And still have energy for leisure and recreational activities.

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How do we determine an individual's overall level of

fitness?• A battery of tests:

– Cardiovascular (aerobic) endurance

– Muscular strength and endurance

– Flexibility– Body composition

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Health Benefits

• Moderate aerobic exercise– Lower Blood Pressure– Less Risk for Diabetes– Weight Loss– Stress Release