Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Part 4

Benefits of Physical Fitness

• Retards aging process. Continued participation in regular exercises of the proper amount and severity is of considerable value in postponing deterioration as a person grows old.
• Physical fitness and ability to meet emergencies. The body that is accustomed to sedentary living habits can usually operate ineffectively even though it is operating at near maximum effort.
• Neuromuscular skill. The smooth, efficient coordination of the muscular system is improved as a result of regular participation in physical activity.
• Relaxation. Overactive minds in underactive bodies often need physical outlets of accumulated emotional and muscular tensions that seem to be relieved by the action of the skeletal muscles.
• Improvement of personality and social skills. Participation in games and sports aids in improving the personality and in developing the desirable social skills.
• Mental Fitness.  Because of the mental and physical relaxation that often results from physical activity, regular exercise is thought by many to be valuable in aiding the mental processes to function with increased efficiency.
• General Health.  The physically-fit person usually possesses a high degree of general appearance, which enables him to avoid minor illness.

Characteristics of a Physically-Fit Person:

• Is able to withstand fatigue for longer periods of time than the unfit.
• Is better equipped to tolerate physical stress.
• Has a stronger and more efficient heart.
• Overall, a fit person has a better relationship between good mental health, mental alertness, absence of tension, and physical fitness.   

(We are grateful to Dr. Nelba O. Olaso, Ph.D. for allowing us to quote passages from her book, Innovative Schemes for Physical Fitness.  She is a professor of Physical Education and consultant on Sports Development Program at Naga College Foundation, Naga City, Philippines.)