Physical fitness refers to a state of total health and well being and, more importantly, the ability to do varied parts of activities, jobs and sports without any limitations. It is necessary to engage in regular physical activity for maintenance of a healthy life. The best physical fitness programs include light workouts like aerobics, jogging, walking and swimming, as well as more vigorous workouts such as weightlifting or strength training. A good combination of diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep is also necessary to achieve a good physical fitness level.
Aerobic exercises are those that increase the heart rate and make the body use more energy to move at a faster pace for short distances, say minutes or hours. Examples of aerobic exercises include running, walking, swimming, cycling, rowing, tennis, football and bicycling. Strength training increases the strength of the muscles by creating a force to push against it. Examples of strength training exercises include lifting weights, deadlift, bench press and pullups. Physical fitness exercises should be varied so that muscles get an equal workout without developing the same muscle group or losing out on other muscles.
Cardiovascular fitness refers to the capacity to do vigorous activities of breathing at a higher rate than normal for a short period. For instance, someone with a high level of cardiovascular fitness may take part in a marathon race. They would be putting their lungs to the test and at the same time, using up their muscular endurance. Muscular endurance is important because muscles need a lot of oxygenated blood in order to function well. Cardiovascular fitness allows a person to exert force against the resistance and to use up large reserves of oxygen for the muscles. Proper nutrition and rest ensure that a person reaches their potential for muscular endurance.
