Why is Physical Fitness so Important to our Overall Health

Fitness plays a critical role in your overall health – but few people understand why. Not many subjects in health or diet are ever really finalized. Current research often disagrees with earlier studies, until everyone is confused. All serious studies, however, seem to confirm that physical fitness is important to our overall health.

Physical fitness has important consequences for your immune system.  It is well understood that exercise cannot mend a damaged or diseased immune system. Even so, a wide range of studies substantiate that moderate exercise will help strengthen and maintain the health of your immune system, even if the effects are indirect.

One of the most widely studied effects of fitness on health is its role in lowering stress.  Although there have been numerous studies, there results are sometimes contradictory – especially in the subtle details.  The overall conclusions, however, are undeniable.  Maintaining a good fitness level aids your immune system by mitigating the harmful effects of stress.

Virtually all studies carried out over the last three decades confirm that a persistant high level of stress has a negative effect on your overall health.  People who suffer from high stress are more likely to have colds, suffer from intestinal issues, and become tired easier.  The effect on energy levels is indirect since stress often results in a reduction of restful sleep.

Stress is reduced with consistent exercise.  Regular exercise directly helps by allowing your body to consume the excess nervous energy that comes from stress.  Exercise indirectly helps relieve stress by shifting your focus away from the external factors that are causing the stress.

Another reason that physical fitness is important to overall health is because it improves your cardiovascular system.  When your cardio system gets healthier, you will have improved blood flow.  The increased blood flow will help remove toxins from organs and muscles.  This in turn keeps the kidneys and endocrine system in top shape.  Regular exercise will also help eliminate germs and circulate antibodies.

These effects combine to create a healthier immune system.  Your body becomes less susceptible to disease, and your immune system becomes more robust.

When you exercise, your body temperature will increase slightly. As most people realize, an increased temperature is the body’s natural reaction to colds, flu and other ailments.  The body’s increased temperature will help fight any of your body’s infections.

A study at the University of Colorado, Boulder indicates that modest exercise helps prevent colds as well. The study demonstrated that people are less likely to get sick after stressful situations when they had participated in a normal exercise program. Those that began exercise only on the same day as the stressor didn't enjoy those benefits.

The study was carried out on laboratory rats, but one of the reasons those mammals are used is the similarity in some systems, and their responses, to humans.

Your body image will improve as a result of a regular exercise program.  This is, afterall, one of the primary drivers of beginning to exercise.  An improved body image may lead to increased confidence and relaxation in social situations. That in turn helps reduce stress and enhance the immune system and overall health.

Physcial fitness can help you reduce stress, improve your immune system and help you feel better about yourself. Whether the effects are direct or indirect, exercising can help you support and enhance your overall health.