The 5 Factors of Fitness

When it comes to health and wellness I feel that it is very important to follow a good guiding system one that addresses our needs so that we will be able to achieve our health and wellness goals. This system is what I like to refer to is called the 5 factors of fitness which include nutrition/supplementation, strength training, cardiovascular training  stretching and flexibility, and rest for recovery. All of these factors play a key role in helping us to live a healthier lifestyle both physically and mentally. The list below provides examples of what each of these factors addresses in regards to our health.

1. Nutrition/supplementation good nutrition and supplementation helps to control our weight, increase our energy levels, grow and repair our tissues, and also helps to reinforce our immune system as well.

2. Strength training helps us to be able to restore our balance and reduce our risk of falling as well as increasing our bone density. Strength training can also increase our metabolic rate by about 15%. Strength training can also help to reduce the signs and symptoms of chronic conditions such as back pain, arthritis, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

3. Cardiovascular training /muscular endurance training helps to make our hearts stronger and improve our lung capacity as well as reduce the risk of diseases and some types of cancer. Cardiovascular exercises also helps to improve our blood flow all around our bodies, thus improving our oxygen supply, hormonal balance, and eliminate waste from the body.

4. Stretching/flexibility helps to increase and improve our range of motion as well as enhance our coordination by improving our circulation throughout the body and by also reducing our risk for injury.

5.Rest adequate sleep allows our bodies to get the proper rest that is needed in order to recover and adapt to the physical and mental demands of training. In general 7 to 8 hours of sleep a day is sufficient for the body to recover from the demands paced upon it from the previous day.