Why be fit?

There are many reasons for having a fit body. Some of which you may desire, some you might not be bothered with but I am sure that there will be at least one that is extremely important to you:

• It feels good
• You live longer
• Less chance of illness
• It looks better
• Helps you attract a girlfriend/boyfriend!
• Makes you more supple
• Increases your strength
• Keeps your weight down
• Makes physical and even some mental tasks easier

A prior warning

We recommend that before you undertake any type of exercise that you consult your doctor for advice on the best exercise for you. Everyone is different and hence the correct exercise is different for everyone. They will be able to discuss with you what you would like to achieve and then tell you what sort of exercise is best for your body and your abilities.

If you suffer from one of the following listed conditions, it will put you in a higher risk group of people and is extremely important that you seek advice from a doctor before undertaking any exercise program:

• High blood pressure
• Heart problems
• Respiratory (breathing) disorders - e.g. asthma, bronchitis, etc.
• Blood disorders
• Muscle or bone problems
• Obesity
• If you are taking certain drugs

If you are unsure in any way, then consult your doctor.

Three categories of overall fitness

Your general fitness can be split into the following three areas:

• Strength
• Stamina
• Suppleness

Different activities improve these areas in varying magnitudes. For example weight lighting will increase your strength but will do very little for increasing your stamina or suppleness. In the same way hiking may increase your stamina but may only give you a bit of strength increase in your legs and will probably not do much for your suppleness.

If you are training for a specific sport or event, you should look at the importance of each of these areas to your activity and plan your training accordingly.