Question

Elaborate on the importance of physical fitness.

Answer 1

The importance of physical fitness can be observed in four major dimensions which include: physical, mental, emotional, and social spheres.

1. Physical
   1. Improvement in energy level and sleep.
   2. Increase in heart size and resting stroke volume and lower resting heart rate.
   3. Significant decrease in the risk of heart diseases and heart attack.
   4. Improvement in the ability to extract oxygen from air during exercise.
   5. Reduction in the risk of catching cold and upper respiratory tract infections.
   6. Reduction in the risk of cancer in the colon and some other parts of the body.
   7. Improvement in insulin sensitivity, which helps to prevent type 2 diabetes.
   8. Increase in the fat-free mass in the body.
   9. Increase in the density and breaking strength of bones, ligaments, and tendons.
   10. Reduction in the risk of lower-back pain, injuries, and osteoporosis.
   11. Decrease in body fat.
   12. Increase in the blood volume and capillary density.
   13. Increase in the level of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and decrease in the level of triglycerides.
   14. Decrease in resting blood pressure.
   15. Increase in the ability of blood vessels to secrete nitric oxide.
   16. Reduction in platelet stickiness (a factor in coronary artery disease).
   17. Increase in sweat rate and earlier onset of sweating, which helps to cool the body.
   18. Increase in muscle tone and strength.
   19. Loss in excess weight.
   20. Decrease in certain effects of the aging process.
   21. Improvement in posture.
2. Mental
   1. Improvement in cognitive function (learning and memory).
   2. Improvement in overall productivity and quality of life.
   3. Development in the ability to take fast and correct decisions.
   4. Development in clarity of thought.
   5. Development in motor coordination.
3. Emotional
   1. Improvement in the ability to manage stress.
   2. Decrease in the levels of depression and anxiety.
   3. Improvement in sleep quality.
   4. Improvement in emotional stability.
   5. Development in the ability to handle success and failure efficiently.
4. Social
   1. Development of a good self-image and self-esteem.
   2. Correction of bad habits like smoking and drinking alcohol.
   3. Development of healthy habits.
   4. Reduction in inhibitions.
   5. Improvement in personal appearance.
   6. Improvement in work efficiency.
   7. Growth in confidence.
   8. Improvement in the ability to coordinate, cooperate and adjust with people around.