Fitness

A person's fitness depends on his diet and amount of exercise. By participating in an appropriate exercise routine, a person can lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. He can also tone, strengthen and build muscles, which boost metabolism that aids in weight management.http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/make-most-your-metabolism?page=2 Beyond appearance, exercise can assist in cancer prevention, eliminate certain forms of heart disease and reduce stress.http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/fitness-beginners-guide

Today, people have numerous workout options. Cardio exercise can be achieved by running, hiking, swimming or biking. However, a person can add variety to their cardio routine by trying alternate programs like spinning or dance aerobics. There are even new vehicles that can be used for commuting and fitness outdoors such as the Trikke.

The other component to fitness is diet. According to WebMD, a nutritious diet, combined with exercise, is the path to disease prevention and long life. They recommend that people eat foods rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, omega fats and phytochemicals. http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/nutrient-guide-eating-nutrient-rich-diet

WebMd states that a nutritious diet consists of a balanced meal plan based on the food pyramid.http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/new-american-diet The U.S. health and agriculture departments recommend the following daily meal plan: three lean ounces of meat (fish beef, chicken), six ounces of whole grain, three cups of low-fat dairy products, four servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables.http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/new-american-diet Diets can be supplemented with vitamin and mineral tablets also.http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/new-american-diet?page=2

According to WebMD, there are many things you can do to improve your fitness level:

1. Exercise options include walking, running, dancing, biking and even household choresWebMD: Fitness 101: The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Exercise
2. As little as 5 or 10 minutes of physical activity can be beneficialWebMD: Fitness 101: The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Exercise
3. Avoid fatty and fried foodsHealth and Fitness Tips: 10 Essential Health Tips
4. Avoid excessive alcohol consumptionHealth and Fitness Tips: 10 Essential Health Tips
5. Quit smokingHealth and Fitness Tips: 10 Essential Health Tips
6. Reduce stressHealth and Fitness Tips: 10 Essential Health Tips

• Reduces the risk of strokeHealthy Forms: Benefits of a Healthy Diet
• Reduces the risk of heart diseaseHealthy Forms: Benefits of a Healthy Diet
• May help fight against certain types of cancerHealthy Forms: Benefits of a Healthy Diet
• Helps manage weightHealthy Forms: Benefits of a Healthy Diet

• Strengthens muscles and bonesKids Health: The Many Benefits of Exercise
• Improves you moodMayo Clinic: Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity
• Helps prevent or manage chronic illnessMayo Clinic: Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity
• Burns caloriesMayo Clinic: Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity
• Helps wight lossMayo Clinic: Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity
• Strengthens heartMayo Clinic: Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity
• Strengthens lungsMayo Clinic: Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity
• Improves circulationMayo Clinic: Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity

The content on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a physician before embarking on a fitness, exercise or diet regime.