Move More Fitness
Jun 2, 20213 min
How many of these fit facts did you already know?
Sometimes it feels like the rules of health are always changing. One diet is in, another diet is out. The fad exercise equipment or technique changes almost as fast as the latest social media fad.
Some fit facts are tried and true, however, and never go out of style. Here's a handful of "did you know" fit facts that will last your whole health journey.
1. Even thirty minutes of moderate aerobic exercise three-to-five days a week can have an incredible impact on your health in so many ways beyond weight loss. Even naturally skinny people should lead an active lifestyle to maintain optimal health.
2. Warm-ups are always important regardless of the exercise you are doing (running, strength training, swimming, yoga, etc.). A good warm-up can decrease the risk of muscle or joint injury as well as ward off other issues, such as sudden rises in body temperature leaving you feeling ill. So always take a few minutes at the beginning of your workouts to gradually raise your body temperature and limber your muscles and joints. If you attend a class, arrive on time so you don’t miss the warm-up—and if you do happen to miss it, do one on your own until you are ready to join the rest of the class.
3. Stretching is an important, and often overlooked, aspect of fitness. Don’t skip the stretches in your own workout or group classes. It is not uncommon to see people pack up and leave a class when the instructor gets into the stretching/cool-down at the end. Don’t cheat your body. Your muscles and joints need stretching to increase their range of motion and ability to perform. Unlike intense aerobics or strength training, you can do a good stretch routine every day of the week and still get benefits.
4. Strength training in some form is good for everyone: men, women, children, seniors, etc. The intensity and type should obviously be tailored to fit the individual’s needs and goals, but increasing muscle strength is always a good idea. Remember, strength training is not limited to lifting weights—there are many ways to get stronger, including just using your own body weight. Make sure you alter your routines so you don’t plateau and try not to work the same muscle groups on consecutive days.
5. Diet soda is still bad for you. So are most “energy” drinks. Take a look at how much sugar is in those drinks. Many sugar substitutes also have a negative impact on your health. Water, on the other hand, is always a good choice. Many people are constantly dehydrated and don’t realize it. Keeping a water bottle with you at all times is a great way to remind yourself to drink more water and less sugary or caffeinated drinks.
6. Carbs are good for you. They are actually essential to a healthy diet and managing your energy levels. You may need to emphasize the “complex carbs” (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans), and reduce “simple carbs” (processed sugars and starches) to reach your goals. But you shouldn't see "carbs" as bad.
7. Fitness is ongoing. You can’t just get your body to a desired level of fitness and expect it to stay there without work. If you discontinue training, your cardio capabilities can decrease in as little as two weeks. Muscle strength can start to decrease after two to three months of decreased training. On the other hand, your body will constantly adapt to new work you give it—it is ready to improve if you ask it to.