Fitness. What does fitness include? The term ‘fitness’ refers to general fitness (a state of health and well-being). And specific fitness (the ability to perform specific aspects of sports or occupations). So, physical- fitness is the functioning of the heart, blood vessels, lungs, and muscles to function at optimum efficiency; therefore, it is now defined as the body’s ability to work efficiently.
And the ability to undertake sustained physical exertion without undue breathlessness. So then, it is associated with a sense of physical and mental well being. Consequently, physical achievements are only possible by making regular demands on the body to perform physical tasks. Also, as the body improves the bulk and strength of the voluntary muscles and the force and pumping efficiency of the heart muscle increase. The respiratory muscles perform more effectively. The subject can perform work within the limits of the rate at which oxygen is supplied by the lungs and circulation (aerobic exercise).
Recovery from fatigue is more rapid, a higher degree of muscle tension can be attained, the muscles can utilize glucose and fatty acids in the presence of less insulin, and the liver is better able to maintain the supply of glucose to the blood, and hence to the muscles, during strenuous exercise. The energy-producing elements in the muscle cells (the mitochondria) increase in size and number.
Physical activity is any form of exercise or movement of the body that uses energy. Some of your daily life activities—doing active chores around the house, yard work, walking the dog—are examples.
BENEFITS of BRISK WALKING Brisk walking is an exercise that is free but has many benefits. Just 30 minutes a day can make a significant difference to your health. Ideal for the older generation. Consequently, it is a low impact activity with some impressive benefits. But, always plan your route. Numerous studies have shown that […]
Grip Strength is an Overall Health Indicator Handgrip Strength. Although it might sound strange to you, having a solid handgrip could be a key indicator of longer life expectancy. But they were also linked to having muscular forearms. As a result, studies have found grip strength was a proper ‘biomarker’ to measure well-being as you […]
Losing weight as an Older Person Age-related weight loss. Many of us have not been active and almost certainly need to lose weight. However, it is not easy, and some would say it is impossible at 60,70 or older. Besides being a daunting goal, weight loss is possible at any age if you remain committed. […]
Many Older Adults are Obese or Overweight Losing weight has health benefits as you age. For the most part, many older adults are seriously overweight or clinically obese; this is creating life-threatening risks. Also, many think it is too difficult to lose weight at 60 or 70 plus years. First, losing weight is no more […]
Swimming benefits. Some people hate to exercise because it is hard and can be painful, with the danger of injury. But swimming is one of the few exercises where they don’t really have to worry about that. Because it’s not a weight-bearing activity. To clarify, swimmers don’t suffer the joint pain that most arthritis patients […]
What is Sleeping Sleeping is a condition of body and mind that typically occurs for several hours every night. As a result, the nervous system is relatively inactive, the eyes closed. Also, the postural muscles are relaxed, and consciousness practically suspended. However there is a lot going on in your body during sleep. What happens […]
Loneliness in Late-life. When we enter the later stages of life, many of us will find ourselves living alone. After all, we may have no family, perhaps our lifelong partner has passed, and we are feeling unloved and alone. Many of us have a fear of ageing. Consequently, loneliness will affect us in several ways. […]
Why Are Strong Arms Important? Resistance Training Arms. The muscles of the arms are relatively small, and in modern days it’s usually enough if you can carry your groceries or luggage for a moderate distance and pick up stuff like chairs and other relatively light objects that need moving around in our homes. Many older […]
Why a Warm-Up is Important Warm-Up Pre Exercise. A good warm-up will raise your body temperature, which is particularly helpful to your muscles. As your muscle temperature increases, oxygen becomes more available to your muscles, allowing them to contract and relax more easily. So you’ll be able to perform more strenuous tasks with ease. Your heart […]
The Fear of Ageing. (Gerascophobia). There is nothing wrong with getting older. It is a natural part of the human life cycle. Unfortunately, getting old comes with several real fears. This is particularly true in the present era, where many pensioners are living longer. Below are some of the things older adults fear the most […]