PHYSICAL FITNESS

Physical fitness is the ability to do work we areresponsible for chronic fatigue, high blood
required to do. Most of us lead sedentary life andpressure, mental inefficiency and premature
are slowly sliding down in the fitness ladder.ageing. Such conditions lead us to obesity, back
Answer the following questions and see how fitpain, heart disease and other health problems. It
you are:has been established that people who exercise
 Does your heart thump when you climb aregularly have few physical complaints. The
flight of 30 steps?inactive persons on the other hand, seek medical
 Do you feel tired after two hours ofhelp for digestive upsets, fatigue and backache.
continuous mental work?The benefits from regular exercise habits are
 Do you have tendency to avoid physicalmany:
effort if you can?• Better sleeping habits and more restful sleep.
 Do you feel tired after two hours of• Improved digestion and better assimilation of
strenuous physical exertion?nutrients from the food taken.
If the answer is "yes" to any of these questions,• Increased energy and stamina.
you are slipping in the fitness ladder. It is time you• Reduced dependence on drugs; less intake of
should think about your physical fitness and designtea, coffee, alcohol etc.
an exercise program to improve that level. In• Ability to cope with stress.
case your answer is negative to all theseNo matter how well we eat, how much rest we
questions, you are reasonably fit. Our muscletake and how much time we spend in taking care
tissues begin to deteriorate after 24 hours ofof your bodies, we cannot be healthy and
inactivity. Therefore, we should feel concernedphysically fit, if we don't get enough exercise.
about our physical fitness and plan a program toTherefore, design an exercise program and stick
maintain our bodies in good shape.to it. Start with brisk walking for 20-30 minutes at
Physical inactivity is a serious health hazard and isleast thrice a week.