Do you know...? (Facts about fitness)

Do you know...?

Do you know that if you include and factor in aerobic fitness, muscular fitness, stretching, and core ability into your overall exercise plan, it will help you promote your fitness for life?

Do you know that aerobic exercise causes you to breathe faster and more deeply? Which means it maximizes the amount of oxygen in your blood?

Do you know that the better your aerobic fitness is, the more efficiently your heart, lungs, and blood vessels transport oxygen throughout your body?

Do you know that walking, jogging, biking, swimming, dancing, water aerobics, or even gardening and housework are considered as physical activity that use large muscle groups and can increase your heart rate?

Do you know that you only need to have minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, 5 days a week to maintain your weight?

Do you know that you don’t have to do the whole 30-minute in one go? Your half-hour could be made up to three ten-minute burst of activity spread through the day, if you prefer.

Do you know that exercise of moderate intensity will only make you a little warm or sweaty, and slightly out of breath, but no more than that?

Do you know that regular muscular fitness or regular strength training can help you reduce your body fat, increase your lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently? Building muscle also protects your joints from injury and boosts your stamina. It might even help you get a better night’s sleep.

Do you know that you don’t need to invest in a gym membership or expensive equipment to reap the benefits of strength training? Hand-held weights or homemade weights – such as plastic soft drink bottles filled with water or sand – may work just as well. Your own body weight counts too. Try push-ups, abdominal crunches and leg squats.

Do you know that stretching increases your flexibility, improves the range of motion of your joints, and promotes better posture and circulation? Regular stretching can even relieve stress and help prevent injury, especially if your muscles or joints are tight.

Do you know that you need to stretch after each workout when your muscles are still warm and receptive to stretching?

Do you know that if you don’t exercise regularly, you might need to stretch at least three times a week to maintain flexibility.

Do you know that the muscles in your abdomen, lower back and pelvis – known as your core muscles – support balance and stability?