Fitness: good for body and mind

Fitness isn't just a passing trend, it's a lifestyle that can transform your health and well-being. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced athlete, incorporating fitness into your daily routine offers many benefits. Let's find out why you should start today.

Physical and mental health and quality of life

1. Improved physical health

One of the main benefits of fitness is improved physical health. With regular cardiovascular and muscle-strengthening exercises, you can :

• Reduce the risk of chronic diseases: Fitness and physical activity in general help prevent diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers(WHO).    
• Control your weight: Regular exercise burns calories and helps you avoid excess weight and maintain a healthy weight.
• Strengthen your muscles and bones: Resistance exercise increases bone density and muscle strength, reducing the risk of osteoporosis(International Osteoporosis Foundation).

2. Mental and emotional well-being

Fitness is good for your body, but it's also good for your mind. Here are the benefits for your mental well-being:

• Stress reduction: Exercise releases endorphins, the happy hormones that help reduce stress and anxiety.
• Improved mood: Regular physical activity can improve your mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
• Increased self-confidence: Achieving fitness goals can boost self-esteem and confidence in your abilities.

3. Better quality of life

Adopting an active lifestyle can also improve your overall quality of life:

• More energy: Regular exercise increases your energy levels and reduces fatigue.
• Better sleep: Regular physical activity can improve the quality of your sleep, helping you to feel more rested and alert.
• Enriched social life: Taking part in fitness classes at a sports club or company can help you meet new people and develop friendships.

How do you get into fitness?

Getting into fitness can seem daunting, but with the right steps, it can become an enjoyable and rewarding part of your daily routine.

• Evaluate your current level of fitness: Take a health check-up if necessary and define your current capabilities to find out where you're starting from.

• Set realistic goals: Set specific, achievable goals. This will help you stay focused and measure your progress.
• Create a schedule: Integrate your fitness sessions into your weekly timetable. Treat them as important appointments to guarantee regularity.
• Start slowly: Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your sessions to avoid injury and overexertion.
• Find a training partner: Working out with colleagues or friends can be more motivating and enjoyable.
• Listen to your body: Pay attention to how you feel. If you feel pain or excessive fatigue, give yourself a rest and consult a professional if necessary.

Fitness offers a multitude of benefits for your body and mind. So what are you waiting for? Put on your sneakers and get started today! 💪👟

By Candice Lhomme