You may be a person who likes to take care of your health, but this does not mean that you are in good physical shape, and vice versa. To know if you are in shape you have to take into account various aspects, both quantitative and qualitative . These aspects involve eating adequate food, exercising regularly and maintaining a certain mental balance. Below we will detail what you need to be in shape and how you can train for it.
What does it mean to “be in shape”?
One of the most common mistakes is to believe that we are fit based on the fact that we are able to meet minimum marks and perform a certain physical effort. Being in shape actually goes much further. It is not about attending only to the aspects that are related to the physical (quantitative) but also to the aspects related to health in general (qualitative).
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, being in shape implies the following: “the ability to be able to carry out a vigorous and attentive daily physical activity without suffering excessive fatigue.” Although the importance of the psychological and emotional aspect should also be added to this definition. The advisable thing would be, in addition, to be able to enjoy a recreational physical activity, without involving too much effort. Like for example a squash or futsal game.
Assessing the quantitative aspect, we are faced with objective standard measures, which allow you to know if you are fit in an objective way. And as for the qualitative aspect , it is implied that you can enjoy physical exercise, and have a good psychological balance that allows you to feel good and enjoy what you do. These two aspects would make up what the state of form represents.
What should you do to be in shape?
Although being healthy, as we have indicated, does not imply being in shape, if it is necessary. Leading a healthy life is essential to be in shape, for this reason it is advisable to acquire healthy habits and discard everything that threatens our health , such as a sedentary lifestyle, tobacco and alcohol.
Leading a healthy life involves doing sports and physical exercise regularly . According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is necessary to perform at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week, to improve our health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Sport also helps us feel better psychologically, because it generates greater satisfaction, well-being and a sense of self-control.
The exercise you do must be adapted to your needs. It is useless to start with a lot of effort, since this will end up demotivating you and facilitating your abandonment. According to your physical characteristics, state of health, motivation, age and personal needs; it will be more advisable that you do a series of exercises. First of all, what you should do is request a medical examination, so that you avoid inconveniences when choosing an exercise routine.
Every time we start doing sports, it is recommended that there be a progression , so that little by little we increase the intensity, as we see ourselves more prepared. The body has to adapt to physical exercise and effort, and our mind too. It is convenient to exercise daily, even for half an hour. If we let a long time pass from one workout to another then our body will not adapt properly. What can lead to muscle aches and injuries.
Keep in mind that to know if you are in shape you have to exercise regularly , without reaching physical exhaustion. You have to be motivated and full of vitality. In general, everything that makes you feel healthy and balanced represents a good state of form.
