10 Health Benefits of Physical Fitness

There are numerous benefits of physical fitness which include better health, greater strength, increased flexibility, increased energy, improved appetite, positive attitude, and a good mood.

A fit body can be achieved through regular physical activity, healthy and a balanced diet, a good resting time, and mental balance.⁽¹⁾ Being physically active is related to many physical and mental health benefits which may help you live longer.

Fitness is a measure of the body’s ability to function efficiently and effectively in work and other activities.

There are various benefits related to being physically fit and active.

People who are physically active have a reduced risk of heart diseases, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, colon cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer.

Lack of physical activity is a primary cause of various chronic diseases.⁽⁷⁾

A physically fit person is active and inactivity is a major factor linked with weight gain and obesity.⁽²⁾

Physical activity increases muscle mass, reduces fat, and controls weight. Studies show that combining aerobic exercise with resistance training maximizes fat loss.^{(3, 4)}

Combining physical activity with a balanced diet help reduce fat and give a more fit body.

Exercise helps boost energy and promotes better sleep. It is an energy booster for even those suffering from a medical condition such a cancer HIV/AIDS, and multiple sclerosis.^(5,6)

Physical activity early morning gives energy and drive for the rest of the day. Good energy is related to better metabolism with a fitter body.

A physically fit body experiences aging much late than those who are unfit. The delayed aging process leads to more positive thinking and improved self-perception.

Regular physical activity reverses the natural decline in metabolism. It also keeps a person productive and energetic for a longer period. It thus postpones aging and increases the longevity of life.

When the body’s antioxidant defences cannot control the free radical damage, it leads to oxidative stress. This can damage and deteriorate the skin.

Moderate exercise can increase the body’s production of antioxidants, which help protect the cells from damage.^{(7, 8)}

A physically fit individual is also active and has good and healthy skin.

A physically fit person has a good memory and brain health.

Exercise improves the brain functions and protects memory and improves thinking skills. It improves the flow of blood to the brain and also stimulates the production of hormones and enhances the growth of brain.

Exercises have shown to reduce the changes in the brain that lead to Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia.⁽⁹⁾

Physical activity strengthens the bones and the joints and reduces the risk of arthritis and other bone diseases. The weight-bearing exercises increase bone density and prevent bone loss as the person grow older.

Different strength training exercises put a strain on the joints which strengthen the connective tissue, which become stronger and less prone to injury. Exercise improves the blood supply which means better nutrition to tissues and better removal of waste products, improving health and durability.

One of the benefits of a physically fit body is that it helps in getting a sound sleep. It also helps improve sleep habits.

A study showed that 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week improves sleep quality by 65%.⁽¹⁰⁾ It also improves sleep in elderly who are affected by sleep disorders.^{(11, 12)}

The cooling off after exercise leads to a drop in the body temperature leading to deeper sleep.

Physically fit people enjoy better sex life. Exercise boosts the sex drive; it is proven.⁽¹³⁾ Exercises improve the blood supply, tones the muscles, enhance flexibility and improve sex life.

Last but not the least, physically fit people are happier. Exercises help release endorphins which has a feel-good factor. Because of the endorphins, the physically fit people have a happy feeling.

Exercise also produces changes in the part of the brain which regulates stress and anxiety. It increases the brain sensitivity for the hormones which relieve the feelings of depression.⁽¹⁴⁾

A physically fit body has prominent benefits. Living an active and healthy life makes the overall lifestyle much better.