Page 80 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2019

HEALTHY LIVING overall well being
Did you make a resolution to become more physically fit this year? That’s a worthy goal, but you may wonder what determines fitness. According to the Mayo Clinic’s website, to be physically fit means to be
in a state of health and well-being that’s defined as the body’s ability to function efficiently and effectively in work and leisure activities, to be healthy, to resist disease and to react to emergency situations.
There are many factors that
affect fitness. These include your environment, job, age, gender, build, diet, exercise, stress, drugs taken, and any existing illness or health condition. Lack of activity can lead to chronic diseases and serious medical conditions.
Gulfport personal trainer Philip Medina works with clients to help them achieve optimum
fitness. “There are several
factors that determine a person’s
fitness level. Some of them are sedentary or active lifestyle, genetics, injuries and/or surgeries, age, and health restrictions such as obesity, blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease,” he said.
Before he begins a training program with someone, Medina asks some standard questions pertaining to
any pre-existing injuries or health issues (hernias, surgeries, accidents); dietary issues; and fitness goals, which may include losing weight, building endurance, strengthening and/or toning muscles. “Although all ages
can benefit from a healthy exercise
regimen, pre-teen children and senior citizens require different programs from the general public,” he said.
Medina adds that exercise does not eliminate most health risks, but it significantly reduces them. “A fitness program can reduce blood pressure, build lung capacity, boost endurance, strengthen immunities, aid in weight loss, and improve over-all quality of life.”
DR. T5OM STETSON’S WEBSITE LISTS
THE COMPONENTS OF HEALTH-RELATED
PHYSICAL FITNESS AS THE FOLLOWING:
BODY COMPOSITION
A person must have a balanced ratio of fat to muscle.
CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS
This helps determine if the heart and lungs are working in coordination.
MUSCULAR STRENGTH
This helps you lift and carry heavy objects. Without muscular strength, your body would be weak and unable to keep up with the demands placed upon it.
MUSCULAR ENDURANCE
Endurance is the ability of your muscles to perform contractions for extended periods of time.
FLEXIBILITY
This checks the ability of the joints in the body to move to their full range of motion.
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WH 'S FIT? story by Lynn Lofton WHO'S NOT?