Quick Fitness Facts

Sometimes it’s nice to have a things laid out in a list form. Lists are easy to follow and can be easier to absorb the key points from. So today, we are talking about quick fitness facts.

· The American Heart Association and the American College of Sports Medicine states that “All healthy adults ages 18 to 65 years need moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity for at least 30 minutes on five days each week or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity for at least 20 minutes on three days each week”.

· In March 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concluded that poor diet and inactivity are close to overtaking cigarette smoking as the leading cause of preventable death

· Approximately 22% of American adults meet the minimum weekly requirements for exercise (sustained physical activity for at least 30 minutes five times a week)

· Regular physical activity has been associated with increased life expectancy, and can reduce the risk many diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.

· Physical activity can help to control weight, reduce blood pressure, raise HDH (“good”) cholesterol, and improve psychological well-being

· Regular physical activity enhances academic performance

· Daily physical activity starting in childhood may reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life

· Four components are involved in fitness: cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition

· New research has suggested that vigorous exercise is better for preventing disease than moderate exercise

· Exercise can boost immune function

· A complete exercise program needs to include aerobic exercise, strength and endurance training, and flexibility training

· According to The American Council on Exercise, acceptable body fat percentages are 25-31% for women, and 18-25% for men. For athletes, the range is 14-20% for women and 6-13% for men

· To lose 1 pound of fat, you need to expend at least 3500 calories

· Studies show that exercise can improve your sex life

· Exercise provides stress-reducing benefits