It is common to hear so called fitness 'experts' rant and rave that 'exercise should be fun' or 'find something you enjoy' and that is all you need to do to make magical things happen all while having a good time. Any movement short of simple breathing is now considered exercise from bird watching to mowing the lawn to playing ball with the kids.
But it unfortunately does not happen that way. The 'fun' bit may be getting into your skinny jeans, feeling great after a hike or pulling the belt a notch or two tighter but the actual exercise bit will always need to be demanding or it simply will not work. It is about as 'unfun' as it gets.
Many people think walking is good exercise - but it is not a complete form of exercise as it does not challenge the muscles by loading them with resistance so they become stronger. Proper exercise needs to challenge you to accomplish something you do not normally experience and to conquer new challenges. The number one bio-marker of the aging process and the greatest detriment to poor health is the loss of muscle tissue that occurs when not enough muscle building and maintaining activity is done.
When you go for a walk you will not improve your physical condition such as muscle strength and tone. People who limit themselves to the repeated limited movement patterns of walking tend to become stiff and inflexible with short tight muscles in the back and backs of the legs. These imbalances lead to poor posture and back pain that afflicts many people.
Most of us walk around during the day, so simply doing more of what we do anyway as our transportation is not a proper exercise program in any way shape or form. All of the major muscle groups need attention and to be taken through their ranges of movement under a load so they are kept strong.
People who have medical disorder which can be greatly helped and treated with proper physical activity should not be led to believe the 'walking is all it takes for good health' myth. Instead of getting people to undertake proper exercise it gives the false impression that is it okay to do as little as possible and that myth gives an excuse to do so.
Low intensity, comfortable 'fun' activity does not challenge the body beyond its already existing capabilities and is simply engaged within its normal abilities. Therefore, there is nothing the body needs to adapt to, nothing requiring the body to change or improve so increases in strength or fitness simply do not happen.
Our body's muscles are responsible for all of our movement as well as maintaining bone strength and joint stability. The body's total muscle mass peak in our mid 20's and begins to decline steadily afterwards if not enough activity to challenge them through the adult years. Other body systems like the immune system and its health is closely linked to the condition of our muscles so keeping strong is vital to maintain good health.
Negative changes in our body and its condition do not suddenly happen, it is happening every single day that we fail to keep our strength. We often blame these things on the aging process but instead these changes are a direct effect of inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle.
It is so easy to prevent this, just 2-3 sessions each week of a proper exercise program that contains mostly strength training exercise is all that is needed to keep the human body strong and resilient.
Whether we like it or not, our bodies function better and last longer when we get regular muscle challenging activity. Do not run the risk of being trapped in a sickly weak flabby body and watch helplessly as health and vitality slip away. Your proper exercise program may not be 'fun' but it will do its job better than you can imagine.
But it unfortunately does not happen that way. The 'fun' bit may be getting into your skinny jeans, feeling great after a hike or pulling the belt a notch or two tighter but the actual exercise bit will always need to be demanding or it simply will not work. It is about as 'unfun' as it gets.
Many people think walking is good exercise - but it is not a complete form of exercise as it does not challenge the muscles by loading them with resistance so they become stronger. Proper exercise needs to challenge you to accomplish something you do not normally experience and to conquer new challenges. The number one bio-marker of the aging process and the greatest detriment to poor health is the loss of muscle tissue that occurs when not enough muscle building and maintaining activity is done.
When you go for a walk you will not improve your physical condition such as muscle strength and tone. People who limit themselves to the repeated limited movement patterns of walking tend to become stiff and inflexible with short tight muscles in the back and backs of the legs. These imbalances lead to poor posture and back pain that afflicts many people.
Most of us walk around during the day, so simply doing more of what we do anyway as our transportation is not a proper exercise program in any way shape or form. All of the major muscle groups need attention and to be taken through their ranges of movement under a load so they are kept strong.
People who have medical disorder which can be greatly helped and treated with proper physical activity should not be led to believe the 'walking is all it takes for good health' myth. Instead of getting people to undertake proper exercise it gives the false impression that is it okay to do as little as possible and that myth gives an excuse to do so.
Low intensity, comfortable 'fun' activity does not challenge the body beyond its already existing capabilities and is simply engaged within its normal abilities. Therefore, there is nothing the body needs to adapt to, nothing requiring the body to change or improve so increases in strength or fitness simply do not happen.
Our body's muscles are responsible for all of our movement as well as maintaining bone strength and joint stability. The body's total muscle mass peak in our mid 20's and begins to decline steadily afterwards if not enough activity to challenge them through the adult years. Other body systems like the immune system and its health is closely linked to the condition of our muscles so keeping strong is vital to maintain good health.
Negative changes in our body and its condition do not suddenly happen, it is happening every single day that we fail to keep our strength. We often blame these things on the aging process but instead these changes are a direct effect of inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle.
It is so easy to prevent this, just 2-3 sessions each week of a proper exercise program that contains mostly strength training exercise is all that is needed to keep the human body strong and resilient.
Whether we like it or not, our bodies function better and last longer when we get regular muscle challenging activity. Do not run the risk of being trapped in a sickly weak flabby body and watch helplessly as health and vitality slip away. Your proper exercise program may not be 'fun' but it will do its job better than you can imagine.
SHARE
RELATED POSTS on "Health & Medical"
