Have you ever wondered if health and fitness are different? Yes there is a noticeable difference between health and fitness. Fitness is the physical ability to perform athletic ability. Health however, is defined as the state where all the systems of the body- skeletal, nervous, muscular, digestive, hormonal, lymphatic are working in an optimal way. Most people believe that fitness and health are one and the same. They could not have been more incorrect. It is ideal to have both health and fitness. But it is not good to have fitness at the cost of your health.
The biggest difference between health and fitness boils down to understanding the difference between endurance and power. There are two types of exercises- aerobic and anaerobic. In aerobic exercise, the exercise is regular but moderate. Aerobic exercises coupled with a balanced diet, give you endurance and burn the fat away. Anaerobic exercises produce short bursts of power. It burns glycogen as it primary fuel and cause the body to store fat. Genetics play an important part n your body’s ability to burn fat and that is why you see some people getting away with murder, meaning they can just about eat anything and still have a good enviable figure or body. Walking, swimming, jogging and biking are some of the best aerobic exercises. Games like tennis, basket ball and rugby are exercises of anaerobic kind
Aerobic exercising is good not only for your muscles and tendons but also for your inner organs. It helps in the circulation of the blood and also flushes the toxins out of your body quite easily. Check out these steps which can excellent moves for a great toned body.
Arm pull: stand with legs apart without locking the knees. Swivel body slightly to one side. Stretch arms out in front, cross them and open fingers. Pull elbows back as far as you can- but do not strain- flexing arm muscles as you do it. Bring arms forward to cross position. Repeat ten times. Do four sets to tone the upper arms.
Legs: To tone thighs, bum and calf muscles, stand with legs apart, breathe in and pull arms up at side. Clench fists and bend knees-the lower the better. Breathe out, push arms down, straighten legs and raise heels, then lower down to start position. Do four sets of ten.
Rib twist: Stand with feet apart at shoulder width. Raise an arm out to side, bend elbow and clench fist. Raise opposite knee and drop elbow to touch knee. Four sets of eight each side with tone middle and thighs.
Abs: lie flat with stomach pulled in and base of spine firmly on the floor. Keep feet flat, knees bent and place hands behind the head. Do not arch your back. Breathe in, contracting stomach muscles even more, and raise head. Breathe out and lift back off floor. Raise body to sitting position, keeping knees bent. Beginners can place arks straight in front of body and grip knees in upright position. Breathe in and slowly return to start position. Repeat ten times. Do four sets for a firm flat stomach.
The snake: Stand in lunge position with left knee bent. Place hands on left thigh. Push forward, lowering your head. Roll upper body to start position, raising head. Repeat eight times both sides to tone shoulders and back.
Side stretch: Stand legs apart, knees slightly bent. Raise right arm by side of head. Slightly bend elbow. Lean to left side, stretching arm over head, and then pull straight up. Do eight each side for four sets to tone waist and underarms.
Also Read:
- Exercises to Keep your Back Healthy : Backache exercises
- Pilates Exercises for Arthritis
- Strength training and its importance for seniors : SENIORS HEALTH
- Arthritis Exercises to Prevent Joint Problems
- How to get rid of Itchy Rash on the Knees and elbows
by on 13. Jan, 2010 in Fitness, Healthy Lifestyle
Back to Top