9 Physical Fitness Benefits For Personal Development

Throughout the last couple of decades as science began to develop and evolve, a distinctive link was formed between physical fitness and overall well being.

Moreover, it has been proven over and over again that physical fitness is highly associated with physical and mental benefits.

In addition, it has been established that physical fitness potentially leads to personal growth and development. 

In this post we will observe and analyze the research in hopes of answering the question of what are the Physical Fitness Benefits For Personal Development?

This post is all about Physical Fitness Benefits For Personal Development

Improves Cognitive Function 

One of the most underrated aspects of continuous physical activity is better cognitive functioning and performance. A healthy mind needs a healthy body to function properly. Physical activity helps you think, learn, and drastically improves Sleep quality.

Furthermore, it helps enhance memory and greatly decrease stress and anxiety levels. Moreover, being physically active reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. 

In addition, physical activity increases blood flow, improves cerebrovascular health and determines benefits on glucose and lipid metabolism carrying “food” to the brain according to a 2018 study.

Moreover, the study also found that physical activity increased in academic achievement (especially children). 

According to the CDC, the following is The Adult Weekly Physical Activity Recommendations

• 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity

• Muscle-strengthening two or more days a week.

• Adults 65 and older also need balanced activities about three days a week.

Self discipline

Physical fitness not only makes you stronger physically and mentally but also lays the foundation for exceptional self discipline.

People who have good self discipline have better decision making skills and are more suited for success in both the long and short term.

Moreover, these people show an increased willingness to focus on their goals while blocking out negative noises and unwanted distractions.

Continuous integration of physical activity ensures maintaining above average self discipline. Physical activity will teach you to focus on the task at hand (workout).

Furthermore, People who regularly exercise are said to have higher “self-regulatory control”—planning, goal-shielding and impulse control according to numerous studies. 

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More Confidence 

Physical fitness has been linked with increased confidence and self esteem. As you begin to work on your body and become healthier, your body will begin to produce stress relieving chemicals called endorphins.

This will promote “good” feelings and enhance self confidence levels. Moreover, physical fitness will undoubtedly improve and transform your overall physique. 

Feeling great about the way you are taking care of your body and the way it looks due to hard work results in massive amounts of self esteem and confidence.

Furthermore, the effects of physical fitness greatly impacts the way we think and use our brain. Having a “clean” mind ensures that you avoid feelings of anxiousness and negative thinking loops which reinforces your confidence levels greatly.  

High Energy Levels 

Consistent physical fitness and activity impacts overall energy levels immensely. No longer will you feel unmotivated and/or lethargic to pursue your dreams. Of course this is backed by numerous studies, as exercising boosts oxygen circulation inside your body.

This upward trend of oxygen supports small structures in cells called mitochondria, which results in more energy levels throughout the day. Furthermore, hormone levels are also increased in the process of working out, providing even more energy to utilize. 

In addition, there are other ways physical fitness promotes high energy level. 

• Increased Heart Health – Increasing physical activity boosts cardiovascular health which in return increases durability and endurance of the body. 

• Increased focus levels – Exercising increases cognitive functions and greatly impacts long term and short term memory.

• Improved sleep routines – Regulation of sleep patterns and overall quality of sleep are immense beneficiaries of exercise and physical activity.

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Reduces Risk of Disease 

Physical activity plays a huge role in reducing risk of developing a plethora of chronic diseases. These include diabetes, heart disease, cancer and arthritis. In addition,  an increase in physical fitness will reduce the risk of premature death, and a decrease in physical fitness will increase the risk. 

According to The Canadian Medical Association Journal, people who went from unfit to fit over a 5-year period had a reduction of 44% in the relative risk of death compared with people who remained unfit.

Moreover, A 2003 study showed that walking at least 2 hours per week was associated with a reduction in the incidence of premature death of 39%–54% from any cause and of 34%–53% from cardiovascular disease among patients with diabetes.

One may ask, well how does physical activity positively influence chronic diseases? 

• Diabetes – 30 minutes of daily continuous exercise helps increase your heart rate and allows your body to effectively control insulin and hormonal levels.

• Heart Disease – Physical Activity increases heart rate while also improving blood oxygen circulation in the body. This will increase oxygen levels throughout the body resulting in better cardiovascular health and function.

• Cancer – As you exercise, your heart rate increases which allows your body to control hormones and maintain healthy composition and insulin levels. 

• Arthritis – physical activity ensures that inflammation does not occur to the cartilage between bones by maintaining healthy blood oxygen levels which helps the body increase functionality and recovery response times.

Increase Sleep Quality 

One of the most important and effective benefits of consistent exercise is the quality of sleep. As you may know, sleep plays an important and integral role in everyday life. It is imperative to have at least 8 hours of sleep daily. 

Physical activity does just that as it enhances and improves sleep quality. Accordingly to a recent study, results showed that as physical activity increased, sleep quality improved among patients of heart failure.

Moreover, Studies in this field have also shown that patients who have had more physical activity have had better sleep efficiency and duration, regardless of the type and intensity of activity. 

Improves Mental Health 

It goes without saying that a healthy body equates to a healthy mind. Physical health has been linked to mental health for decades now and the research proves it vigorously. Physical exercise and activity does wonders for your mental well being.

According to The Biomedical Center, the studies suggested that higher physical activity is associated with higher well-being, quality of life as well as lower depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress, independently of age.

Moreover, Studies show that physical activity and exercise improves mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood and by improving self-esteem and cognitive function.2 Exercise has also been found to alleviate symptoms such as low self-esteem and social withdrawal. 

In addition, according to The British Journal of Occupational Therapy, regular exercise  suggests that it may reduce or provide a distraction from psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations.

Related Article(s) – Improving Your Mentality Leads To Personal Growth

Conclusion

All in all, continuous physical activity and fitness are beneficial to both physical and mental health. Moreover, numerous studies suggest that exercise helps reduce risk of disease, enhance Sleep quality and greatly increases confidence and self esteem levels. Furthermore, physical activity plays a key role in the personal growth and development process.

This post was all about The Physical Fitness Benefits For Personal Development