Health and Fitness Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on health and fitness.

We have always heard the word ‘health’ and ‘fitness’. We use it ourselves when we say phrases like ‘health is wealth’ and ‘fitness is the key’. What does the word health really mean? It implies the idea of ‘being well’. We call a person healthy and fit when he/she function well physically as well as mentally.

Health And Fitness Essay

Factors Affecting our Health and Fitness

Good health and fitness is not something which one can achieve entirely on our own. It depends on their physical environment and the quality of food intake. We live in villages, towns, and cities.

In such places, even our physical environment affects our health. Therefore, our social responsibility of pollution-free environment directly affects our health. Our day-to-day habits also determine our fitness level. The quality of food, air, water all helps in building our fitness level.

Role of Nutritious Diet on our Health and Fitness

The first thing about where fitness starts is food. We should take nutritious food. Food rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates is very essential. Protein is necessary for body growth. Carbohydrates provide the required energy in performing various tasks. Vitamin and minerals help in building bones and boosting our immune system.

However, taking food in uneven quantity is not good for the body. Taking essential nutrients in adequate amount is called a balanced diet. Taking a balanced diet keep body and mind strong and healthy. Good food helps in better sleep, proper brain functioning and healthy body weight.

Include vegetables, fruits, and pulses in daily diet. One must have a three-course meal. Having roughage helps in cleaning inner body organs. Healthy food habit prevents various diseases. Reducing the amount of fat in the diet prevents cholesterol and heart diseases.

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Impact of Exercise on our Health

Routine exercise helps improve our muscle power. Exercise helps in good oxygen supply and blood flow throughout the body. Heart and lungs work efficiently. Our bones get strong and joints have the pain free movement.

We should daily spend at least twenty minutes in our exercise. Daily morning walk improves our fitness level. We should avoid strenuous Gym activities. Exercise burns our fat and controls the cholesterol level in the body. Various outdoor games like cricket, football, volleyball, etc keeps our body fit. Regular exercise maintains our body shape.

Meditation, Yoga, and Health

Meditation and yoga are part of our life from ancient time. They not only make us physically fit but mentally strong as well. Meditation improves our concentration level. Our mind gets relaxed and thinking becomes positive.

A healthy mind is key for a healthy body. Yoga makes us stressfree and improves the endurance power of the mind. Yoga controls our blood pressure. With yoga, a strong bond with nature is established. Meditation is considered the best way to fight depression.

A person stays happier when he/she is fit and healthy. A fit and healthy person is less prone to chronic diseases. The healthy mind reacts better in a pressure situation. The self-confidence of a person is increased. Risk of heart failure is reduced drastically. With the increased immunity power body could fight cancerous cells. The intensity of the fracture is decreased with regular exercise.

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Essay on Health and Fitness

List of essays on health and fitness, essay on health and fitness – short essay for children (essay 1 – 200 words), essay on health and fitness – how to be healthy and fit (essay 2 – 250 words), essay on health and fitness (essay 3 – 300 words), essay on health and fitness – for school students (class 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10) (essay 4 – 400 words), essay on health and fitness (essay 5 – 500 words), essay on health and fitness – for college students (essay 6 – 600 words), essay on health and fitness – how to maintain a good health and fitness (essay 7 – 750 words), essay on health and fitness – long essay for university students (essay 8 – 1000 words).

Health and fitness are two concepts that go hand in hand. Our health is the totality of our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Fitness, on the other hand, is a state of control over our body. Thus, we could be physical, mentally and emotionally fit. Consequently, health and fitness can be regarded as a way to attaining control over our body.

Audience: The below given essays are exclusively written for children, school students (Class 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 Standard) and college students.

Introduction:

Health and fitness are a very important aspect of life that includes having both physically and mentally fit body. With the help of a balanced diet and regular exercise a person can improve his or her health and fitness.

Relationship between Health and Fitness:

A good health means that a person is physically and mentally strong and fitness refers to the ability of the person to encounter the demands of the environment. The person possessing good health and fitness can enjoy his/her life completely.

How to Maintain Health and Fitness:

The following are the ways that can help in maintaining health and fitness:

1. Doing the daily exercise for at least 30 minutes.

2. Eating balanced and healthy food in limited quantity and at the right time.

3. Adequate sleeping and waking up early in the morning.

Benefits of Health and Fitness:

Below are the benefits of health and fitness for a person:

1. Reduces the risk of diseases like diabetes, obesity, etc.

2. Helps in healing the injuries quickly.

3. Increases the lifespan of the person.

4. Decreases stress and anxiety.

Conclusion:

With daily exercise and proper diet, a person can achieve good health and fitness. It not only makes the person happy but also makes him/her free of stress and worries.

Health and fitness is the real wealth a person should acquire to lead a peaceful and harmonious life. A person without both, may face many difficulties and find their real money spend on their health issues rapidly.

How to be Healthy and Fit?

Health and fitness are not only about physical appearance or muscle, but it is also about being internally, mentally and emotionally fit that will largely influence your day to day life. In earlier days people like our grandparents have kept good care of their health and fitness through healthy food and by leading a better lifestyle.

The recent generation was more ignorant of their health and fitness, but the situation has changed a lot recently. Better awareness about the importance of health and fitness has made everyone seriously working on this problem and find ways to stay healthier.

The basic step towards fitness is by keeping yourself calm and relaxed. This will help you in being both mentally and bodily fit to some extent. Exercises and other forms of workouts like dancing, yoga, etc., are the best ways to keep yourself fit and these practices will also, in turn, help you to be calm and composed.

Health and fitness play in your life a major role in keeping you and the people around you happy as well as healthy. Avoid those bad habits that will not only ruin your body and mind but also influence badly on the others around you, both mentally and physically. Health and fitness can be maintained through regular workouts, healthier food, and other healthier habits.

People often take the terms health and fitness as one and they do not think too much about the difference that is present in them. The thing is they can be treated as one but in some situations, they can exclude each other. Health and fitness represent the two most desirable features of every person’s life. The great thing about this fact is that you can create such a life for yourself.

The Difference:

Health and fitness represent the two most important aspects of our lives and this is especially true when you are a student and you need to advance through your studies and early career. Health is usually considered as the total physical wellbeing of the organism and its ability to fight off infections and disease. Fitness represents the bodies physical strength and overall ability to sustain physical exertion.

The Importance:

When we consider how important health and fitness are for the effectiveness of our endeavors it becomes clear why so many people have an obsession with them. This is why I consider that it is important for every person to have a personal health and fitness routine that they can implement in their daily lives. Regardless of what we do in life such a routine can do us good and create habits that we can practice to sustain an optimal level of productivity.

The only thing one should remember is that too much fitness can cause problems for your health, so balance is key. Otherwise having a health and fitness routine can only be good for you and all the endeavors you want to make in your career or personal life. Today’s world is all about health and fitness so every person has all the necessary tools they could ever need to make the best combination of diet and exercise for themselves.

Health and fitness are one of the most important aspect of life. Without these, the life will be very unhappy and dreadful. An unhealthy person will not be able to enjoy their life to full extent. We are all so busy in our lives that we start neglecting our health. This starts to affect our lives negatively and can lead to some severe problems.

What is meant by health and fitness?

Health of a person is defined as state of being free from any illness and injury. Along with the physical condition, it also includes the mental and social well-being of the person. Fitness is the condition of being physically fit and healthy so that the person is able to tackle the demands of the surrounding environment.

Importance of Health and Fitness:

For a successful, happy and peaceful life, health and fitness are very important. If a person is healthy and fit, he/she can live the life to its fullest extent. Health and fitness just does not mean physically but also mentally and healthy fit. There are many benefits of maintaining health and fitness of the body, like it lowers the risk of diseases like heart attack, high BP, obesity, and stroke; increases longevity of life, reduces stress, provides better quality of life and many others.

How to maintain health and fitness?

There are many ways to maintain your health and fitness. Certain activities should be followed daily like regular physical exercise. It can be a simple activity as climbing stairs instead of taking lift or elevator, walking more rather than taking car to go to different places. It is important to eat proper and clean food at the right time. The food should also be rich in nutrition such as high in fibre, low in fat, high protein content and have more vitamins. Proper sleeping pattern is also important to maintain health and fitness.

For any of these activities, it is important to be self-motivated. The fitness activities should be a part of your daily routine. All this will not only maintain your health and fitness but also improve your lifestyle.

It is important to maintain health and fitness of not just our physical self but our mental self as well, to have a happy and fulfilled life. The maintenance of these should be taught to children at a young age so that they are used to doing certain activities and are motivated to continue doing them as they grow up.

Obesity, depressions, diabetes are some of the adverse effects of neglecting our physical or mental health and fitness. These conditions can lead to serious health challenges and in some extreme cases death. To reduce the risk of these we must keep fit at all times. We shall now examine the physical and mental dynamics of keeping fit mentally and physically.

Physical Health and Fitness:

Physical health and fitness refer to all form of positive steps we take to keep our body in good shape. Hence, it would include physical exercise and maintaining a healthy diet. It also involves constant medical checks to eliminate the risk of certain ailments.

The importance of constant exercise to our physical health and fitness cannot be overemphasized. Physical exercises ensure that our metabolic system is in great shape. Our metabolic system determines how much fat is stored in our body and the rate at which our body processes fat. Consequently, when we engage in physical exercise we store less fat in our body which is good for our overall health.

Another major factor that affects our physical health and fitness is eating healthy. While some food is great for our health, others can lead to damaging effects. Also, taking meals in the right property is a big part of keeping fit. Finally, though there might be conflicting information about what a good diet is, it is important to always eat in moderation.

Some of the benefits of physical health and fitness are as follows:

1. It helps you keep your cholesterol low.

2. It reduces blood pressure.

3. It increases the heart function and reduces the risk of heart-related conditions.

4. It improves our immune system such that we fall sick less often.

5. Increase in strength of muscles and bones.

Mental and Psychological Health and Fitness:

A lot of attention is usually given to physical health and fitness while neglecting our mental wellbeing. However, keeping our mind the same and our health sane is just as important as treating our body the same. Mental strain can affect our productivity and mood. It could also lead to serious health challenges such as depression and other mental illness.

To attain mental health and fitness we must keep our brain engaged with positive activities.

Some of these activities are as follows:

1. Reading intellectual materials that stimulate brain function.

2. Engaging in constant meditation to keep our mind focused.

3. Getting enough sleep on a daily basis.

4. Engaging less in tasks that can cause mental strain.

Health and fitness encompass every area of our life including the way we treat our environment. Consequently, we must always keep fit to have a fulfilling life, therefore, there is a saying – health is wealth.

Health and fitness are two separate words that are related because they influence each other. Health is defined as the state of wellbeing in which a person is free from illness and injury. Fitness is the state of being healthy and physically fit. Health is influenced by fitness and fitness is influenced by health. The trends in health and fitness are continuous and people strive to achieve both in their lives. Health and fitness continues to undergo transformation in the changing times especially with the influence of technology. It is important to be healthy and fit because of the benefits enjoyed.

How to be Healthy and Fit :

Health and fitness is a process that requires proper understanding. Health and fitness is something that someone has to have a purpose and stick to it in order to be successful at it. It is a challenge to remain health and fit because of the commitment it requires and the work that has to be done. Accepting the challenge is the first step into health and fitness. It is also important to find a partner with whom you can exercise with. It is something you can do with your spouse or a colleague at work just for the motivation. A workout schedule has to be formulated together with a dietary schedule.

Healthy foods should be a balanced diet but with less amounts of calories. However, calories should not be undertaken because exercise requires burning of calories for energy. Staying healthy and fit means that you have to eat well and exercise well and a schedule is important because it keeps you on track. It is also important to set goals like losing a certain amount of weight so that the goal will motivate you in remaining healthy and fit.

Health and fitness is of great significance in the lives of individuals. It helps in preventing lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Physical fitness involves the burning of unnecessary fat in our bodies which helps to reduce the cholesterol in our blood. Having less cholesterol in the body reduces the chances of developing high blood pressure. Also, when exercising, we use up the calories in our bodies and therefore blood glucose is maintained at normal levels and thus reduces the chances of developing diabetes.

It is also important to remain healthy and fit in order to maintain normal body weight. The food we eat and activities we do influence our body weight. Being inactive and consuming unhealthy foods such as fast food could result in serious weight issues like obesity. Obesity is having a body mass index that is greater than 30. It has been associated with many chronic illnesses such as heart diseases and diabetes. In order to remain within normal body weight, health and fitness has to be prioritized.

Safety and self-defense is influenced by health and fitness. Being physically fit means that you are able to run and you are strong enough to defend yourself. Knowing how to fight is not an aspect of health and fitness. The ability to run fast is considered safe because you can always escape danger. Being unfit is disadvantageous in situations of danger because you will experience difficulty.

Health and fitness is definitely important in the lives of individuals. Schools emphasize on health and fitness because by training young children on health and fitness, it positively influences their lives. Health and fitness does not necessarily mean hitting the gym every now and then but it is about the simple exercises and the food we eat.

Health and fitness when properly maintained goes a long way in helping a person remain in a general state of well-being and health. Health and fitness can provide us with the ability to be able to perform activities that are physical without being restless or tired. If we want to maintain a very good health and fitness, we have to engage in physical exercise regularly and eat balanced diets. It is very important that we maintain our health and fitness so that we can stay healthy, fit, without fear of different diseases and also get all of the numerous benefits that come along with a healthy living.

A person that has good and proper health and fitness gets to live and enjoy his/her very well to the possible best. It is very necessary that every one of us in life lives a life of mental and physical fitness so that we can enjoy a life that is happy and healthy.

When we are fit and healthy, the probability of us falling ill and experiencing various medical conditions drops. When we talk about medical fitness, a lot of people assume it is just physical fitness but it is a lot more than that, overall fitness means we have to be fit both mentally and physically. We can only achieve a state of good mental fitness if we become physically fit.

If we want to remain very fit and healthy, the best way we can do that is through relieving our mind of all forms of stress through eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. If we maintain a weight that is ideal, we tend to be less prone to a lot of health conditions including cardiac problems. When we remain active physically, our mind is always relaxed. Fit and healthy people tend to face and overcome all the various problems life brings their way easily without suffering.

How one can maintain a Good Health and Fitness:

Today, there a lot of ways through which we can stay fit and healthy if we decide to abide by them.

Some of them include:

1. We should do our best to involve ourselves regularly in physical exercises every day by taking a little time out of our very hectic schedule. If we decide to take about 30 minutes or 60 minutes every day to exercise about five to six times in a week. We should be able to get enough exercise that would be ideal for us to stay fit.

2. Eating clean and healthy food in the proper quantity and in the appropriate time is quite important if we want to stay fit and healthy. The best way to attain good health is by a healthy nutrition that contains low fat, high fibre, very rich sources of minerals and vitamins, and high protein.

3. If we want to stay healthy and fit, we have to observe a very good sleep habit and pattern. It is very important that we keep a very high level of discipline in all of our routine daily and also try to focus on getting and maintain a sleeping pattern that commences and stops at the proper time. It is advised that we get about eight hours of sleep every night as this can help in boosting the immune system. Getting good hours of sleep can also go a long way in helping us prevent cardiovascular diseases and also goes a long way in improving the mood. We do not get enough sleep, we are very likely to suffer from a variety of mental disorders and sleep disorders.

Importance of Good Health and Fitness:

1. Reduces stress, anxiety level and depression.

2. It helps in improving the quality of one’s life.

3. It goes a long way in getting to live a little longer.

4. It helps in the healing of injuries quickly.

5. It can also help us increase our level of confidence.

6. It goes a long way to help us feel a lot better both mentally and physically.

7. It helps us in decreasing the risk of getting diseases like breast cancer, stroke, obesity, heart diseases and diabetes.

Routine exercise and physical activities on a regular basis is quite necessary for everybody irrespective of their ages but most especially the younger generation (children). Health and fitness can help us accomplish a lot of happiness in this life. Health and fitness can also go a long way in helping us live a live that is free of disease and stress.

Health and fitness help a person live a good and healthy life. Often due to various pressures at personal and professional level, we tend to ignore our health. This makes our body suffer and we catch up with lifestyle and other diseases. It is the fitness level of our body which helps us fight these diseases. If we are fit we are able to overcome these diseases or else we end up being victims of a modern lifestyle.

Definition and Relation:

Health and fitness are interrelated to each other. We need to be fit to have a healthy body. Similarly, if we are healthy we shall naturally be attracted towards maintaining the fitness of our body. Health is the state of our body at a given time. We may not have any disease but still, have a weak body which is ready to be targeted by a number of bacteria and viruses.

For instance, we may have a tendency to catch a cold easily. This does not definitely mean that we are not healthy. It means that our fitness levels are not in accordance with our age and the climatic conditions we live in. it all depends on our health which in turn is dependent on our fitness levels. So health and fitness move together.

Also, the fitness level is the state of our body based on our age, climatic conditions we live in, our lifestyle and our working conditions. One can see people having great fitness levels even in older age. For example, every morning in different parks you can two types of old people. One who is just meditating and sitting at one quietly enjoying the fresh air while the others who are jogging or walking briskly on tracks. They can even compete with the young people on the track. These are two types of fitness levels at the same age. It is all about how to fit we keep ourselves.

Moreover, you can see young people who are not able to climb stairs and tend to get tired easily. It is all because of their low levels of fitness that they are not able to keep good health. They are less fit as compared to other people of their age who keep themselves fit. The people who keep themselves fit keep their body healthy. So fitness levels decide the quality of our health.

How to maintain Health and Fitness:

It is important for everyone to devote some time to health and fitness. There are some activities which everyone should do in their daily lives. For instance, we must exercise daily irrespective of our age and working style. There are different levels of exercises for different age groups and we must do them as per our own health and age. Exercise keeps our healthy and fit. It keeps our body moving. Our muscles tend to contract if we do not make good use of them. Regular exercise stops them from contracting and improves our energy levels as well. One must devote at least some of the day for exercises.

Similarly, walking for some time in a day is a must for all. In fact, walking is considered the best exercise and is suited to all ages and fitness levels. It is important for maintaining health and fitness.

Additionally apart from walking and exercises, it is also important to relax our body. Therefore we should have at least six to eight hours of sleep every day. It is necessary to maintain proper levels of health and fitness. Moreover, it also helps in improving our immune system and prevents us from a number of diseases as well. Also, it helps in keeping us calm and relaxes our mind. This, in turn, reduces our stress and gives us new goals of health and fitness.

Importance of Food in Health and Fitness:

Food plays a vital role in maintaining health and fitness of our body. Our body absorbs nutrients from the food we eat. So we do not eat proper food our body does not get the required nutrients. This lowers the levels of health and fitness of our body and we are prone to a number of diseases. Therefore health experts usually say that we become what we eat.

So, in order to remain healthy and fit we must have a proper diet which contains the required amount of carbohydrates, fats, vitamin, proteins and minerals. We should eat vegetables and fruits as they provide us with the required vitamins and minerals. Milk provides us calcium which is essential for our bones. Additionally, we must stay away from junk food. Junk food contains excess amounts of carbohydrates and fats which get accumulated in our body and make us fat. The excess weight of our body makes us lazy and we catch up diseases more easily.

We must respect the body God has given us and take care of it in a good manner. We must neglect ourselves for the sake of work and other activities in our life. It is important to understand that we can perform our duties in life properly only we pay attention to the health and fitness levels of our body. Otherwise, although we may want to do something but our body may not support us. Hence we may not able to achieve our goals in life.

It is not necessary to be an athlete to have a good body. Every person in the world needs to have a healthy and fit body so as to stay away from disease and have a long and healthy life. Moreover, we must remember our importance for our families and society. If we suffer from diseases, our family members also get troubled. It affects their health and fitness as well.

The only way to have a healthy body is to ensure the proper fitness levels of our body. That is why even in schools so much of importance is given to the health and fitness levels of students. If we keep our body fit, we can enjoy life in a better manner.

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Physical Activity for Health and Fitness: Past, Present and Future

Gaurav kapoor.

1 Department of Physiotherapy, Jayoti Vidyapeeth Women’s University, Rajasthan, India

Priya Chauhan

2 Department of Physiotherapy, UIAHS, Chandigarh University, Punjab, India

Gurjant Singh

Nitesh malhotra.

3 Department of Physiotherapy, Manav Rachna International University, Faridabad, India

Aksh Chahal

4 Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Haryana, India

It’s a saying “The early we start, the early we attain good health”. Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely absence of disease Fitness is an ability to execute daily functional activities with optimal performance, endurance, and strength to manage minimalist of disease, fatigue, stress and reduced sedentary behavior. In the modern era with advancement in technology, erosion of physical activity has drastically led to retardation in health and fitness. Hoods of luxurious and competition among students for scores/grades and professionals for promotions/incentives/benefits have deviated people from concentrating towards their health and putting it secondary. In 2016, across the globe, prevalence of physical inactivity was estimated at 27.5%, among adult population. To support further, in June 2018, WHO reported, 1 in five adults, and 4 of five adolescents to pose reduced physical activity. In the current ongoing pandemic era this scenario has been further negatively impacting the society to suffer from psychosocial, financial and economic loss, contributing to lack of physical activity. Health benefits of physical activity are not limited only to improved cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, bone and cardiometabolic health, and positive effects on weight status, but it also boosts mental health and social health. Acknowledging the significance and urgency of decreasing insufficient physical activity globally, WHO endorsed a Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA) at the World Health Assembly in 2018, wherein the member countries agreed to reach a new target of 15% relative reduction in insufficient physical activity among adolescents by 2030.

INTRODUCTION

It’s a saying “The early we start, the early we attain good health”. Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely absence of disease [ 1 ]. Fitness is an ability to execute daily functional activities with optimal performance, endurance, and strength to manage minimalist of disease, fatigue, stress and reduced sedentary behavior [ 2 ]. In the modern era with advancement in technology, erosion of physical activity has drastically led to retardation in health and fitness. Hoods of luxurious and competition among students for scores/grades and professionals for promotions/incentives/benefits have deviated people from concentrating towards their health and putting it secondary [ 3 ]. Since the last few decades, studies have documented inactive and sedentary life style to make individuals prone towards chronic diseases [ 2 , 4 ]. Despite our increased understanding of importance of being active, data from the World Health Organization (WHO) instigates, inactivity prevalent today in the society, contributing to the 6-10% burden of chronic disease and premature mortality [ 2 ]. A review document from 2012 expressed prevalence of physical inactivity to exist in wide regions of the world; 27.5% in Africa, 43.3% in America, 34.8% in Europe, 17% in South East Asia and 33.7% in the Western Pacific [ 5 , 6 ]. To support further, in June 2018, WHO reported, 1 in five adults, and 4 of five adolescents to pose reduced physical activity [ 7 ]. Girls, women, geriatric population, under privileged population, individuals with disabilities and chronic diseases, marginalized groups, and indigenous people to have further fewer opportunities to keep themselves active [ 8 ]. It is not surprising that the prevalence of inactivity is more evident in urban community when compared to rural [ 2 , 9 ]. As it’s a general trend physical activity slows with aging and is reduced in retired, unemployed and less educated people, in the current ongoing pandemic era this scenario has been further negatively impacting the society to suffer from psychosocial, financial and economic loss, contributing to lack of physical activity [ 10 ]. Policies encouraged by WHO, such as Global Action Plan for Physical Activity 2018-2030 [ 11 , 12 ] and The European Physical Activity Strategy 2016-2025 [ 13 ] promised to encourage and makes the society aware on benefits of being physically active.

Benefits of physical activity have been documented since early 20 th century [ 14 ]. Study show rate of coronary heart disease lower among physically active London bus conductors than bus drivers and government clerks [ 15 ]. Health benefits of physical activity are not limited only to improved cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, bone and cardiometabolic health, and positive effects on weight status, but it also boosts mental health and social health [ 2 ]. Sibold and colleagues showed remarkable decline in suicidal thoughts and attempts by 23% in bullied adolescents engaged in physical activity than physically inactive people [ 16 ]. Acknowledging the significance and urgency of decreasing insufficient physical activity globally, WHO endorsed a Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA) at the World Health Assembly in 2018, wherein the member countries agreed to reach a new target of 15% relative reduction in insufficient physical activity among adolescents by 2030 [ 8 ].

In many researches males are found to be more active when compared to their female counterpart [ 17 - 20 ]. On the flipside, sitting time throughout day is higher in males than females [ 2 , 21 ]. Researches also document students to be poorly active than adults [ 22 - 25 ].

FITNESS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR VARIABLE AGE GROUPS

1. general considerations.

Physical activities can be implemented and regularized through two modes; self and under supervision. Physical activities pose negligible negative effects in comparison to medication [ 26 ]. WHO proposes individuals to indulge in any kind of a moderate intensity exercise for at least 150-300 minutes per week [ 27 ]. Looking at the minutes, it sounds fairly high, however if we divide the same into days, it is only 30 to 60 minutes per day for 5 days per week. This recommendation is stated for nearly all age group people with special variability to be kept in mind (if required). Further, it is important to mention that, it does not mean spending 30-40 minutes on physical activity to follow with no activity throughout the remaining day. Bodily active movement after every 1 to 2 hours is vital for maintaining normal tone and elasticity of blood vessels [ 28 , 29 ] and soft tissues (capsule, ligament, muscle, tendon etc.) [ 30 ]. In fact, it is a sedentary lifestyle, becoming more common in the modern era. This physical inactivity is lethal for human body as the heart needs to be active throughout the day. It’s worth noting that benefits include enhanced thinking or cognition in youngsters aged 6 to 13, as well as reduced short-term anxiety in adults. Physical activity helps to accelerate and thinking, learning, and cognitive skills [ 31 ]. Physical activity further helps to have better sleep quality and lessen self risk of depression and anxiety [ 32 ]. As children are more physically active, WHO recommends children to remain active throughout the day with rest period as appropriate as per their age and physical limits to be increased in a slow and regular manner.

A study documented, individuals watching television for more than 4 hours per day, live in an inactive state and have 80% higher risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease [ 33 ].

2. Daily modifications and upgradations

Furthermore, achieving increased levels of physical activity necessitates the implementation of comprehensive and integrated initiatives. Physical activity benefits are dependent on one’s personal efforts to enhance exercise in self, families, friends, subjects patients, and coworkers, etc., at school, workplace/office. Physical activities appropriate for present fitness level and health goals should be chosen at the outset, based on the advice of an exercise physiologist or physical therapist, because certain activities are safer than others. To reach criteria for health goals, there needs to be progressively increase in physical activity with passage of time. Inactive people should “start small and build up” by beginning with lower-intensity activities and progressively increase frequency and duration of their activities.

In order to combat with physical inactivity, modification in environment focusing varied social levels with planning of offices, road and transport system should be constructed with the aim to promote active lifestyle. At work place, employees should be encouraged to get up and walk to catch up a cup of tea and speaking on mobile while walking at work place. In return, these movements promote blood circulation and muscle relaxation by contracting and relaxation of the muscles of upper and lower limbs, thorax and spine. Meetings should be made recreational, instead of standard ideal sitting criterion. In addition to the above use of stairs should be encouraged inspite elevators/escalators. Parking lot should be at distance, encouraging walking.

3. Exercises/Movements

As per the Physical Activity Guidelines by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), it is encouraging to develop person specific exercise interventions for a positive health and overall wellbeing [ 34 ]. Studies recommend; balance, endurance training, flexibility, and strengthening exercises for generation and management of physical health and fitness [ 35 , 36 ]. Physical activities can be combination of two or more components. It helps to encourage the performer to remain active throughout life by creating enthusiasm and eliminate boredom by taking the physical act to higher and extended time along with advancement of age. Exercises like Lunges, Pushups, Squats, Running, Planks, Swimming, and Dumbbell rows should be practiced right from adolescent and carried till later years of life (medical consultation to be consider, if required).

It is important to create personal objectives for healthy physical life. When setting goals, one should explore a variety of activities and try both indoor and outdoor activities. Simple and ambitious goals are both possible. For example, going for a 45-minute brisk walk in the nearby vicinity with friends/family three times a week and walking to lunch twice a week, or using active transportation—walking, biking, or wheelchair walking—to get to school, work, or the shop may be the best option for someone.

Despite the numerous health benefits of physical activity, injuries like sprain/strain/contusion or in worst case a fracture can occur [ 37 ]. The musculoskeletal system is the most common domain to get injured with physical activities/exercises [ 38 ]. This is attributed to overheating and dehydration [ 39 ]. Rarely people experience heart attacks while exercising. Practically, physical activity is safe for everyone.

People with and/or at risk of acquiring chronic diseases and symptoms, such as pregnant women and the elderly, should take advice from a health care professionals like Exercise Physiologist/physical therapist for the type and level of activity to begin with.

4. Fitness trackers

An activity tracker, often known as a fitness tracker, is a gadget or applications that monitors and tracks fitness-related metrics like distance walked or run, calorie consumption, and, in some circumstances, heart rate [ 40 ]. It’s a form of computer that one wears on his/her body part. Smart watches are commonly used in as they are connected via wireless, to a computer or smartphone for long-term data tracking [ 41 ]. Independent smartphone and software applications are also available. In recent years, wearable devices namely, Fitness Trackers, Smart Watches, Heart Rate Monitors, and Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking devices have boomed with its use extending from children to elderly. These devices are designed and marketed with the aim to push inactive individuals to think critically towards their health by creating mental concern for heart rate, number of steps/cadence, duration of current and projection of future workout, calorie loss, running distance, activity recording, sleep patterns and blood pressure thereby, enabling them to become physically active. According to a systematic review, activity trackers increased people’s physical activity by 1850 steps a day [ 42 ].

Designing, promoting and encouraging physical activity is a vital from childhood to elderly. These goals can be achieved by sharing information using community-wide and mass media campaigns, social support enhancing physical activity at community level and work places, physical education, classroom physical activities, after-school sports and active transport to school for school going children are few steps to improve the health of the society. The present article proposes benefits of physical activity in imparting health and fitness, and measures to improve the same, to reduce the present and future multiple negative impacts on individuals and nations economy.

Fitness and Exercise: Health Benefits, How to Get Started, and How to Get Better

K. Aleisha Fetters

Many people strive to be fit. Fitness, after all, is synonymous with health.

Having a high level of overall fitness is linked with a lower risk of chronic disease, as well as a better ability to manage health issues that do come up. Better fitness also promotes more functionality and mobility throughout one’s life span.

And in the short term, being active can help your day-to-day functioning, from better mood to sharper focus to better sleep.

Simply put: Our bodies are meant to move, and they tend to function better when we’re more fit.

That said, it’s also important to know that there are many different ways to be fit (think of a ballet dancer versus a bodybuilder or a sprinter versus a gymnast). And fitness does not have a singular “look.” In fact, appearance can’t necessarily tell you about someone’s habits, whether they’re actually physically active, or even whether they’re fit at all.

What It Means to Be Fit

According to the  Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans  set forth by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), there are five components of physical fitness:

  • Cardiorespiratory Fitness Your VO2 max is a commonly used measure of this. It’s your body’s ability to uptake and utilize oxygen (which feeds all of your tissues), something that is directly related to your health and quality of life, says Abbie Smith-Ryan, PhD , professor and director of the Applied Physiology Laboratory at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
  • Musculoskeletal Fitness  This includes muscle strength, endurance, and power.
  • Flexibility This is the range of motion of your joints.
  • Balance This is your ability to stay on your feet and steady to avoid falls.
  • Speed This is how quickly you can move.

A frequently cited peer-reviewed research paper from 1985 defined the difference between the terms “physical activity” (bodily movement resulting in energy expenditure), “exercise” (planned and structured physical activity), and “physical fitness.” The paper defined physical fitness as a set of attributes that people have or achieve that determines their ability to carry out daily tasks with vigor and alertness, without undue fatigue. Cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, body composition, and flexibility are components that can be used to measure fitness, also according to that paper.

In the real world, fitness translates to function, says Dr. Smith-Ryan. For example, can you carry your groceries or walk up the stairs without getting winded? Can you run around the backyard with your kids? Can you climb the stairs?

Exercise is distinct from fitness because exercise is what you do to improve your fitness.

Types of Fitness

There are a few main components of fitness, all of which are important for building a well-rounded exercise routine. Below, you will find the ones included in the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, which HHS highlights as the components that should be included in weekly exercise. (It’s worth noting that many definitions of fitness include other components as well, such as endurance, muscular endurance, power, speed, balance, and agility — as mentioned above.)

Aerobic (Cardiovascular) Exercise

Aerobic exercise is the foundation of every fitness program — and for good reason. Also called cardiovascular exercise or cardio, this type of physical activity increases your heart rate and breathing rate, which improves your cardiorespiratory fitness, according to the American Heart Association .

Aerobic exercise includes activities like brisk walking, running, cycling, swimming, aerobic fitness classes (like kickboxing), tennis, dancing, yard work, tennis, and jumping rope, per the Physical Activity Guidelines.

Learn More About Aerobic Exercise

Strength Training

Strength training is an important way to improve mobility and overall functioning, particularly as you get older. “As you age, you lose muscle mass, which can have a significant impact on the quality of life. Strength exercises build bones and muscle, and more muscle protects your body from falls and the fractures that can happen in older age,” says  Robert Sallis, MD , a family medicine doctor at Kaiser Permanente in Fontana, California, and chairman of the Exercise Is Medicine initiative with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

According to the ACSM , the definition of strength or resistance training is exercise that is “designed to improve muscular fitness by exercising a muscle or a muscle group against external resistance.” Activities that answer this call include lifting weights, using resistance bands or your body weight, carrying heavy loads, and even strenuous gardening, per the Physical Activity Guidelines from HHS.

Learn More About Why Strength Training Is Important and How to Do It

Flexibility and Mobility

Flexibility and mobility are both important components of healthy movement, according to the International Sports Sciences Association . However, they are not synonymous.

Flexibility refers to the ability of tendons, muscles, and ligaments to stretch, while mobility refers to the body’s ability to take a joint through its full range-of-motion.

There is no specific recommendation for the number of minutes you should do activities that improve flexibility or mobility (such as stretching), and the health benefits of those activities are not known because of a lack of research on the topic, according to the Physical Activity Guidelines from HHS. But the guidelines note that flexibility exercises are important for physical fitness.

And the guidelines do recommend that older adults incorporate balance training into their weekly fitness routine. Evidence suggests that regular exercise that includes balance training can significantly reduce older adults’ risk of falls, which can cause serious and debilitating injuries, among other consequences.

Learn More About How the Different Types of Flexibility Exercises and How to Become More Flexible

Rest and Recovery

Building in rest and recovery days allows time for your body to repair the natural damage that occurs to muscles during exercise. Exercise, by definition, puts stress on the muscles and the body. The repairing or healing of that stress is how you get stronger (and fitter). But you need to give the body adequate rest after a workout for that recovery process to happen.

Recovery days can include no physical activity at all or they may look like an active recovery day, which means doing low-intensity, low-impact forms of exercise, such as walking or gentle yoga. Dr. Sallis generally recommends doing some activity every day, such as a 10-minute walk outdoors.

For rest and recovery days, the idea isn’t that you’re immobile on your couch; it’s just that you’re not pushing yourself to a point where physical activity feels strenuous or challenging.

Learn More About How to Find the Right Amount of Rest and Recovery for Your Workout Routine

Health Benefits of Exercise

Improved fitness drastically reduces the risk of chronic diseases that develop over time, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even cancer. “The one thing that will help prevent almost any type of disease is fitness,” says Grayson Wickham, DPT, CSCS , founder of Movement Vault, a mobility and movement company in New York City.

In 2007, ACSM partnered with the American Medical Association to launch the Exercise Is Medicine initiative, with the goal of making physical activity assessment part of routine medical care and providing exercise resources to people of all ability levels. “The scientifically proven benefits of physical activity remain indisputable, and they can be as powerful as any pharmaceutical agent in preventing and treating a range of chronic diseases and medical conditions,” the initiative’s website notes.

Here’s a breakdown of those benefits:

Exercise Boosts Your Mood

Regular exercise has been shown to be a buffer against depression and anxiety, according to research . What’s more, other studies show that exercise can help manage the symptoms of depression and help treat it, notes a scientific article . Exercise may help reduce inflammation, something that has been shown to be increased in people with depression; it’s also possible that physical activity promotes favorable changes in the brain, too, say the researchers.

Learn More About the Ways That Being Fit Boosts Energy and Mood

Exercise Is Good for Sleep

Habitual exercise can help you get more restful sleep at night. Of 34 studies included in a systematic review , 29 found that exercise improved sleep quality and was associated with longer bouts of slumber. It may help set your body clock (so that you are alert and sleepy at appropriate times), create chemical changes in the brain that favor sleep, and, as past research indicates, can ease presleep anxiety that may otherwise keep you up.

It’s worth noting, however, that high-intensity exercise done too close to bedtime (within about an hour or two) can make it more difficult for some people to sleep and should be done earlier in the day.

Learn More About the Intimate Relationship Between Fitness and Sleep

Exercise Promotes Long-Term Health

Exercise has been shown to improve brain and bone health, preserve muscle mass (so that you’re not frail as you age), boost your sex life, improve gastrointestinal function, and reduce the risk of many diseases, including cancer and stroke. Research involving more than 116,000 adults also showed that getting the recommended 150 to 300 minutes of physical activity per week decreased the risk of death from any cause by 19 percent.

Learn More About the Amazing Ways Being Fit Boosts Your Health

Fitness Helps You Manage Chronic Disease

Exercise helps the body function, and that includes managing other chronic health problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if you have osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, or have had a stroke or cancer, physical activity can help. Exercise can help decrease pain, improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, promote mobility, improve heart health, lower the risk of other chronic diseases, and play a role in good mental health.

If you have a chronic disease and you’re looking to stay active or get more active, a walking routine is generally a safe place to start. “The vast majority of people do not need clearance from their doctor to start walking, unless your physician has told you specifically that they don’t want you exercising,” says Sallis.

He says he wishes that more people would look at physical activity as a baseline and that: “You need to get clearance from your doctor not to exercise,” he says.

But if you get excessively short of breath, experience chest pain, or have any other concerning symptoms, call your doctor.

Learn More About Why Being Fit Helps With Chronic Disease Management

How Much Exercise Do You Need?

Per the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, clocking either 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (such as brisk walking) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (such as jogging or running) per week is the lowest amount of exercise that promotes good health. (Doing a combination of moderate and vigorous activity is also okay, as long as you spread it out over at least two days during the week.)

Additionally, do muscle-strengthening activity at least two days a week, targeting all of the major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms), according to the guidelines.

There is currently no recommendation for flexibility or mobility work, according to the HHS. But older adults in particular should incorporate balance training into their weekly physical activity.

Doing more physical activity has been linked to even greater health benefits, particularly up to 300 weekly minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (after which the incremental benefits start to flatten out). And know that these baseline fitness recommendations, while they are enough to promote good long-term health, may not be sufficient to meet certain health or fitness goals. (For example, you will need to exercise for a significantly longer amount of time each week if you want to train for a marathon.)

And know that extreme amounts of exercise may put increased stress on the body and can actually lead to some negative health effects; research has yet to determine what that upper limit might be, but the evidence so far suggests that it is at least several times the current weekly minimum recommendations.

Learn More About How Much Exercise You Actually Need

Graphic titled, How to Get the Most Out of Your Workout Icons include an arm muscle for Gradually build your stamina, a green apple for snack smart, red and blue arrows for warm-up and cool-down, a coral water bottle for stay hydrated and a star

What to Eat Before, During, and After Exercise

Fueling your body with adequate and healthy foods also plays an important role in exercise.

Before Your Workout If you’re exercising shortly after you wake up in the morning, listen to your body’s hunger cues, says Jackie Dikos, RDN , a sports dietitian in Westfield, Indiana, and author of  Finish Line Fueling . If you ate a heavier or later dinner the night before, you may not need anything. If you have an intense workout ahead of you and are hungry, you may need a small snack.

Eating easy-to-digest carbohydrates, such as a banana or some cereal just prior to a workout, or a combination of carbs and protein (e.g., toast with nut butter) 30 minutes beforehand will fuel you up for the work ahead. If you recently ate a meal, you may be able to skip the snack entirely.

During Your Workout Shorter workouts don’t require mid-exercise fueling, but longer bouts of endurance exercise do. Consume 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrates every hour after the first 60 minutes of exercise, according to recommendations from the International Society of Sports Nutrition . Sports drinks are one option.

After Your Workout A low- to moderate-intensity workout, such as a 45-minute brisk walk, doesn’t require immediate refueling (particularly if your next meal is not far away), Dikos says. But if you’ve just done a high-intensity workout, or if you know you’re doing another workout later that day or a tough workout the next day, your body will need fuel. Dikos recommends eating half a gram of carbs per pound of body weight, plus 10 to 20 grams of protein.

Learn More About What You Should Eat Before, During, and After Your Workout

Tips for Getting Started and Staying Motivated to Exercise

It can be tough to get into (and stick with) an exercise routine. Here are some tips:

  • Break It Up Fitness professionals have changed their tune on this over the years. The current Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans says that everything counts toward those weekly activity targets (as long as the intensity is high enough). You can take a 5-minute walk up the block, climb the stairs in your home a few times, or stand up from your desk and do a set of squats. “ More recent data shows that there are health benefits to accumulating activity. Those short ‘exercise snacks’ add up,” says Sallis.
  • Increase Slowly Jumping into a busy and intense exercise routine can set you up for mental and physical burnout — and it puts you at risk of injury, too. Sallis recommends beginning where you are comfortable (in terms of distance if you are walking or jogging, or in terms of weights if you are strength training) and slowly increasing the duration and intensity over a period of weeks or months. Getting on an exercise program (look at apps or small group training) or finding a personal trainer can help with this progression.
  • Do ‘Non’-Exercise Exercise Do you count playing with your kids in the backyard, cleaning the house, doing yard work, dancing in your kitchen, and taking the dog out as exercise? You should — because they can all count toward your movement quota, says Sallis. Look at those everyday activities as opportunities to help you get fit and keep moving.
  • Schedule It Exercise is as important as any other activity. And while small bouts are good, you’ll also probably get to a point where you want to do longer durations. And that’s where looking at your schedule, finding a time that works during your day, and adding it to your calendar (as a “nonnegotiable” meeting) will help, says Smith-Ryan.
  • Consider HIIT High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can be great for beginners, including those who are sedentary or are overweight or obese. “In our lab, we have almost 100 percent compliance with interval training. HIIT is really easy to buy into and stick with,” Smith-Ryan says. HIIT calls for a shorter duration of exercise than traditional workouts (with the same benefits), resulting in less time commitment and fewer injuries overall, she explains. (Plus, it can be done without equipment, in your home.) Even though it is “high-intensity,” you’ll move at a pace that’s appropriate for your fitness level, and you’ll only do short bouts of the more strenuous type of movement at a time. Recruiting a personal trainer to help you structure a HIIT workout can be a great help.
  • Phone a Friend Working out with a friend can stoke your motivation, prompt you to try new activities, and keep you consistent, says the CDC. Time to buddy up!

Learn More About How to Find and Stick to an Exercise Routine

What You Should Know About Home Gym Equipment

Exercising at home means you get to skip the commute to the gym, and you won’t have to wait for someone else to finish up on the machine you want to use. You get to work out whenever it fits into your schedule.

One positive outcome of the pandemic is that there are now so many more online resources for exercise programs, says Smith-Ryan. Many of those programs require no equipment at all and can be easily done with a small amount of floor space.

If you are just starting out, she says that simple body-weight exercises (squats, lunges, pushups) can help build muscle during resistance training. Consider investing in a yoga or exercise mat, so that you can easily do floor exercises. After that, consider collecting resistance bands or a set of dumbbells to up the intensity of strength training.

What you choose will depend on your preferences, budget, and the space available in your home. For instance, a set of resistance bands is cheap and can be stored easily. But know that you can get in a good sweat session without a lot of equipment and without having to spend a lot of money.

Common Questions & Answers

Resources we trust.

  • Mayo Clinic:  Fitness Program: 5 Steps to Get Started
  • Cleveland Clinic:  Starting a Workout Routine
  • American Heart Association: Why Is Physical Activity So Important for Health and Well-Being?
  • Arthritis Foundation: How to Start an Exercise Program
  • National Institute on Aging: How Older Adults Can Get Started With Exercise

Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy . We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.

  • Resistance Training for Health and Fitness. American College of Sports Medicine . 2013.
  • Kerksick CM, Arent S, Schoenfeld BJ, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Nutrient Timing. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition . August 29, 2017.
  • Powers MB, Asmundson GJG, and Smits JAJ. Exercise for Mood and Anxiety Disorders: The State-of-the-Science. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy . 2015.
  • Schuch FB and Stubbs B. The Role of Exercise in Preventing and Treating Depression. Current Sports Medicine Reports . August 2019.
  • Dolezal BA, Neufeld EV, Boland DM, et al. Interrelationship Between Sleep and Exercise: a Systematic Review. Advanced in Preventive Medicine . March 26, 2017.
  • Passos GS, Poyares D, Santana MG, et al. Effect of Acute Physical Exercise on Patients With Chronic Primary Insomnia. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine . June 15, 2010.
  • Hoon Lee D, Rezende LFM, Joh HK, et al. Long-Term Leisure-Time Physical Activity Intensity and All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality: a Prospective Cohort of U.S. Adults. Circulation . July 25, 2022.
  • Adults With Chronic Health Conditions and Disabilities. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . July 7, 2021.
  • Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services . 2019.
  • American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults and Kids. American Heart Association . April 18, 2018.
  • Resistance Training for Health. American College of Sports Medicine . 2019.
  • 3 Reason to Work Out With a Friend. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . July 7, 2022.
  • Casperson CJ, Powell KE, Christensen GM. Physical Activity, Exercise, and Physical Fitness: Definitions and Distinctions for Health-Related Research. Public Health Reports . March-April 1985.
  • Little JP, Langley J, Lee M, et al. Sprint Exercise Snacks: a Novel Approach to Increase Aerobic Fitness. European Journal of Applied Physiology . March 7, 2019.
  • What Is Exercise Is Medicine? American College of Sports Medicine .
  • Eigsvogels TMH, Thompson PD, Franklin BA. The “Extreme Exercise Hypothesis”: Recent Findings and Cardiovascular Health Implications. Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine . August 28, 2018.
  • Sherrington C, Fairhill N, Kwok W, et al. Evidence on Physical Activity and Falls Prevention for People Aged 65+ Years: Systematic Review to Inform the WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity . November 26, 2020.

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Essay on Health and Fitness

Students are often asked to write an essay on Health and Fitness in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Health and Fitness

Introduction.

Health and fitness are vital for a happy life. They are like two sides of the same coin. If we are healthy, we can enjoy our life. Fitness, on the other hand, helps us stay active.

Importance of Health

Good health helps us perform our tasks with ease. A healthy person can study well, play, and do their chores efficiently. However, poor health can hinder these activities.

Role of Fitness

Fitness is about being physically active. Regular exercise strengthens our muscles, improves heart health, and boosts our mood. It can also prevent various diseases.

In conclusion, health and fitness are essential for a fulfilling life. We must strive to maintain them for our well-being.

250 Words Essay on Health and Fitness

Introduction to health and fitness.

Health and fitness are two interrelated concepts that significantly influence our overall well-being. Health, a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, is not merely the absence of disease. Fitness, on the other hand, is the ability to perform daily tasks efficiently without undue fatigue.

The Importance of Health and Fitness

In the modern world, the importance of health and fitness cannot be understated. Sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and increasing stress levels have led to a rise in lifestyle diseases. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are vital to maintaining good health and high fitness levels, which can ward off these diseases.

The Interplay between Health and Fitness

Health and fitness are intricately linked. Good health allows for increased fitness levels, and high fitness levels, in turn, contribute to better health. For instance, regular exercise can help control weight, combat health conditions, and boost mood and energy.

Role of Discipline in Health and Fitness

Discipline plays a crucial role in maintaining health and fitness. Regular workout routines, balanced diets, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques are all part of a disciplined lifestyle that promotes health and fitness.

In conclusion, health and fitness are essential for a happy and productive life. They are not just about physical well-being, but also about mental and social well-being. Achieving health and fitness requires discipline, effort, and a commitment to making long-term lifestyle changes.

500 Words Essay on Health and Fitness

Health and fitness are two sides of the same coin, each playing a pivotal role in the overall well-being and functioning of an individual. The importance of these components has been accentuated in the modern world, where sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits have become the norm.

The Interplay of Health and Fitness

Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, but also the complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being. Fitness, on the other hand, is a state where you are not just physically healthy, but also have the endurance, flexibility, and strength to meet the demands of daily life.

It’s crucial to understand that health and fitness are interdependent. A high level of fitness often equates to a robust immune system, lower risk of chronic diseases, and improved mental health. Conversely, poor health can make it challenging to maintain an adequate fitness level.

The Role of Lifestyle in Health and Fitness

A balanced diet is another essential aspect of maintaining health and fitness. It provides the necessary nutrients required for the body to function optimally, contributes to a healthy weight, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

Challenges and Solutions

Despite the known benefits of health and fitness, many individuals face challenges in adopting a healthy lifestyle. Lack of time, motivation, and accessibility to healthy food and fitness facilities are some common barriers.

In conclusion, health and fitness are crucial elements in our lives that directly influence our quality of life. They are interconnected, with each influencing and supporting the other. By adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and a balanced diet, we can improve our health and fitness levels. Despite the challenges, with the right strategies and mindset, we can overcome these barriers and pave the way for a healthier and fitter life.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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Essay on Health and Fitness for Students

what is the difference between fitness and health essay

  • Updated on  
  • Nov 18, 2023

what is the difference between fitness and health essay

What did you play in your sports period at school? Was it football, Cricket, Badminton, or any other sports? Maintaining good physical health requires you to take good care of your body and in most cases, your mental fitness also. From an early age, we are taught how to take care of our health and fitness. School students are often encouraged to write an essay on health and fitness, where they must come up with ideas about how to keep themselves physically and mentally fit and the benefits of a healthy life. Well, if you have not, you need not to worry. I’ve got your back. I’ll be providing you with a detailed explanation about staying fit and how you can add them to your essay on health and fitness. Stay tuned! 

Table of Contents

  • 1 Essay on Health and Fitness in 100 Words
  • 2 Essay on Health and Fitness in 200 Words
  • 3 Essay on Health and Fitness in 300 Words

Also Read: Best Fitness Exercises for Students Studying Abroad

Essay on Health and Fitness in 100 Words

‘Health and Fitness is something which you earn by working hard. With time, the concept of health and fitness has changed and are now considered integral aspects of a fulfilling life. To have a disease-free life, one must do physical activity regularly, eat a balanced diet, and adequate rest.’

‘Physical exercises boost our cardiovascular health, enhance mood, and prevent chronic diseases. Nutritious foods like green vegetables, dairy products, beans, etc. provide essential nutrients, fostering optimal body function. Quality sleep is crucial for recovery and mental wellness. Prioritizing health and fitness leads to increased energy, improved mental focus, and a resilient immune system. Cultivating these habits promotes longevity and a higher quality of life.’

Also Read: 7 Ways on Which Good Mental Health Leads to Good Physical Health

Essay on Health and Fitness in 200 Words

Real wealth is health, as it defines our way of living and what we can achieve in life. Imagine you see a guy walking in a room with absolutely perfect physical health. Won’t you consider talking to him? It’s not just the personality but the positive energy reflected from a person who takes good care of his health and fitness.’

‘Regular physical activity is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Engaging in exercises, be it cardio, strength training, or flexibility workouts, enhances cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles, and improves overall well-being. Exercise is not just a means to maintain a healthy weight; it is crucial for mental health, and reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.’

‘Another most important part of a healthy lifestyle is a balanced and nutritious diet. Consuming a variety of nutrient-rich foods provides the body with the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants needed for optimal function. Here are some protein-rich foods, which you must consider:

Dairy products
Fish
Green vegetables
Whey Protein
Fruits
Dry Fruits

‘Now time for rest. After working all day long, your body and mind need rest and this is something which is often overlooked. Quality sleep aids in physical recovery, cognitive function, and emotional stability.

‘It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.’ – Mahatma Gandhi

Essay on Health and Fitness in 300 Words

A normal human can live up to 65 years. But a person who takes good care of his or her body can live up to 90 years. The significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, encompassing both physical activity and nutritional choices, cannot be overstated. Health and fitness can be divided into three parts; physical exercise, balanced diet, and quality sleep.

Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of overall health. Exercise, ranging from aerobic workouts to strength training and flexibility exercises, is imperative for cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility. Beyond the physical benefits, exercise plays a pivotal role in mental health, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. The endorphins released during physical activity contribute to an improved mood and enhanced cognitive function.

Equally crucial is a balanced and nutritious diet. The food we consume serves as the fuel for our bodies, influencing energy levels, immune function, and overall well-being. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides the essential nutrients required for optimal physiological function. It not only aids in weight management but also acts as a preventive measure against a myriad of chronic diseases.

However, health and fitness are not solely about activity and diet; adequate rest and sleep are integral components. Quality sleep is essential for physical recovery, cognitive function, and emotional balance. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to an array of health issues, including weakened immune function, impaired cognitive performance, and an increased risk of chronic conditions.

We all want to live a quality life, and that is only possible if we take care of ourselves. A healthy and fit population contributes to a more productive society, reducing the burden on healthcare systems and enhancing overall quality of life. Moreover, a physically and mentally well population is better equipped to face life’s challenges, fostering resilience and a positive outlook.

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To write an essay on health and fitness, you are required to describe how one can achieve his or her fitness goals. The health and fitness lifestyle depends on three factors; physical exercise, balanced diet and adequate rest. To achieve a healthy and fit life, you must focus on all these aspects. Describe them in detail and provide a positive conclusion.

Regular exercise boosts cardiovascular exercises, strength training, or flexibility workouts, enhances cardiovascular health, and strengthens muscles. A balanced and nutritious diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats is necessary. Adequate and quality sleep is crucial for physical recovery, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. The release of endorphins during physical activity helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting a positive mindset. Health and fitness are not isolated concepts but interconnected elements of a holistic lifestyle. 

When on a diet, consider these fat-free foods: Beans and legumes, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, skim milk, egg whites, and yoghurt.

For more information on such interesting topics for your school, visit our essay writing page and make sure to follow Leverage Edu .

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Shiva Tyagi

With an experience of over a year, I've developed a passion for writing blogs on wide range of topics. I am mostly inspired from topics related to social and environmental fields, where you come up with a positive outcome.

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Home / Essay Samples / Health / Physical Exercise / Wellness and Fitness: Finding Balance in Life

Wellness and Fitness: Finding Balance in Life

  • Category: Life , Health
  • Topic: Fitness , Healthy Lifestyle , Physical Exercise

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