Benefits of Physical Fitness

Hi, I will like to share with you the benefits of remaining active during our fight against COVID-19.

Fitness is the ability to perform a set of physically challenging activities regularly to remain healthy. It is not uncommon for the fitness industry to promote the physical benefits of a fitness lifestyle and for individuals who begin their fitness journey to focus on immediate tangible results. Through exercise, individuals can change their physique to the desired body shape defined by society, such as a slim waist with a perky butt or muscular arms and legs, but the physical benefits of fitness is just the icing on the cake. Research has proven that there are numerous benefits to physical fitness, such as decreased stress, anxiety, depression, improved memory, better sleep, improved sex life and more. Active people tend to experience improvements in mental, physical and spiritual aspects of their lives. Fitness goes beyond the idea of body-image goals to focus more on well-being and body positivity by looking beyond the scale.

With rising stress levels, improved mental health is an essential benefit of remaining active. Walden university states that “Exercise is a scientifically proven mood booster, decreasing symptoms of both depression and anxiety.” Overthinking, negative thoughts and release of stress hormones in the brain can reduce through exercise. With an improved state of mind individuals may experience feelings of euphoria or a boost in self-esteem and confidence. “Evidence suggests that by really focusing on your body and how it feels as you exercise, you can actually help your nervous system become “unstuck” and begin to move out of the immobilization stress response that characterizes PTSD or trauma”[2]. Although exercise helps to reduce PTSD symptoms, serious cases should be accompanied by psychotherapy or psychiatry. Taking part in exercises such as yoga, pilates, barre or more intensive cardio workouts require focus

to gain optimal results. Successfully getting through any exercise in a room full of people can be hard without being focused. People who are unable to practice focus while exercising may perform the exercise wrong or may not realize when to stop engaging in a physical activity that becomes harmful to their bodies. There are many benefits of practicing focus during yoga or pilates such as reducing ADHD symptoms. Usually when people focus on their bodies during exercise they are able to note what works for their bodies which allows them to properly obtain better results.

Everybody has different metabolic rates, while some people may experience physical change in their bodies quicker, others may not experience any changes for months while being active. Most individuals who do not see quick results tend to get discouraged and may drop out of strict weight loss programs. Those who are able to take part in strict weight loss programs that promise immediate physical results might be neglecting their mental health because they usually get into it for the wrong reasons. A common speculation amongst individuals is that the thinner you are the healthier you appear to be. In an interview with a body positive trainer, Doak from The Star, she says “You have to truly believe that someone coming into your classes, 300 pounds and somebody coming in at 120 pounds, one is not healthier than the other”[4]. While individuals may achieve toned muscles with little weight loss, they do not enjoy their achievements due to their perspectives on body image. Taking spin classes regularly can build your endurance and reduce stress levels physically and mentally but also make your legs look toned with or without weight loss depending on how you perform the exercise and how your body works. Although most people might feel tired after exercising, exercise can boost energy levels to feel more energized and ready for another one hour workout. In the age of many social media platforms, body positivity and body shaming are huge topics. People come in different shapes and sizes while many people seek physical transformations for their bodies through fitness, some do not feel the need to.

Benefits of fitness can also be spiritual when encouraging consciousness, calmness, commitment and stability. Individuals benefit from mind and body connection that comes with practicing breathing during exercises like yoga. Usually yoga instructors combine self awareness speeches with calming exercises in yoga classes. Words on self acceptance, caring for your body, noticing your body’s capacity and practicing self consciousness are also encouraged during yoga. Many individuals are able to benefit from positive words and feelings of calmness during yoga.

An active lifestyle should be encouraged due to the healthy benefits of body positivity and overall improved wellbeing of an individual. While it is alright for individuals to track their weight it is important to remember that fitness is a wellness journey that gives you a confident body and you cannot determine who is healthier or not by physical appearance. Although it is a great start to embrace your body type, it is also important to lose weight for the right reasons especially if your life is at risk.

During this period of COVID-19 remember to wash your hands, practice social distancing or required isolation, grab a yoga mat or hop on an indoor bike.