6 best exercises for physical fitness
A person’s physical fitness usually influences their ability to perform daily activities satisfactorily. One way to improve physical fitness is to exercise regularly. But which exercises to perform? Not all workouts are equal; some have more benefits than others. Unfortunately, many people do not realize this and perform one type of activity. Your routine must include different workouts to improve strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance. This post lists a few exercises to consider.
Best exercises for physical fitness and strength
The right workout routine will help you maintain body structure and muscle strength. But consistency is the key. Here are some types of exercises that can keep you in good shape:
Walking
This is perhaps the most basic form of exercise. Walking is a cardiovascular workout that helps strengthen the heart and burn calories. It is something you can do anytime, without exercise and fitness equipment. But, “when” you walk matters. Walking in the morning is excellent to jump start your day and boost metabolism. Whenever you go for walks, make them brisk.
Crunches
Abdominal crunches are popular to strengthen the core muscles and improve posture. Although an excellent form of workout, they must be done correctly. Using the wrong technique can lead to backaches and muscle cramps.
Squats
Squats are a great workout to include in your exercise and fitness program. It strengthens the lower body muscles, including the hamstrings, quadriceps, and gluteals. The squat position and movements also strengthen the tendons, ligaments, and bones.
Lunges
Like squats, lunges strengthen the lower body, but they are more advanced. They target your quads, thighs, calves, glutes, core, and hamstrings and help sculpt and build new muscles. Lunges need more coordination than squats, making them less suitable for complete beginners.
Interval training
This type of exercise and fitness program involves a series of high-intensity workouts with periods of rest in between. Adding interval training to your cardiovascular workout can help boost fitness levels significantly.
Push-ups
Push-ups are among the best options to strengthen the chest, triceps, shoulders, and core trunk muscles. They are commonly used in physiotherapy. While push-ups do not require any exercise or fitness equipment besides a hard surface, you can invest in push-up bars to protect your wrist from injury and increase grip.
You do not need to perform these exercises all at once. Try different workouts on different days and see what works best. Making time for exercise can be hard sometimes. On days when you cannot visit the gym, try to stay active by moving around the house and using the stairs.
Exercise and fitness tips
While exercise has many benefits, following a workout routine consistently can be challenging. Here are a few fitness tips to achieve your goal:
Add cardio activity to your workout
To improve physical fitness, indulge in cardiovascular activities like stair climbing, kickboxing, and running. Experts recommend 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity.
Include strength training exercises
Strength training also forms an essential part of a physical fitness plan. You can do two resistance training workouts every week. These should target major muscle groups like the abs, chest, hips, arms, back, shoulders, legs, and hips.
Join an exercise and fitness center
Joining a good exercise and fitness center in your area can help you achieve your health goals. These facilities host indoor and outdoor group activities to keep you motivated. These activities may include Pilates, Zumba, step workout, yoga, spinning, and tai chi.
Use exercise and fitness apps
Many smartwatches and cell phones have fitness apps that can help monitor your eating habits and suggest exercises that suit your routine and lifestyle. Some apps also provide access to a personal coach who will be with you during your fitness journey. Compare different apps and choose one that meets your requirements.
Set a goal
A fitness goal can help you stay focused and motivated. Set short goals and reward yourself once you achieve them. Finding an exercise partner can also help you stay motivated to complete your daily target and enjoy your workout sessions.
According to a report by the World Health Organization, regular physical activity can help prevent the spread of non-communicable diseases like stroke, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. This is because exercise improves the body’s immune system and organ function. Exercise also has a positive impact on mental health. It improves mood and helps deal with anxiety. Therefore, everyone must make time for physical activity to ensure a healthy mind and body.