With warmer temperatures approaching and summer coming, we are slowly getting out from under the blanket of snow. As the snow and ice melts, we start to think of all the activities we are planning to do during the summer to take advantage of the hot weather. I really enjoy being outdoors in the summertime. I go for walks around the lakes, take the kids to play at the park, and enjoy firing up the barbeque grill for some grilled veggies and salmon.
Now that it is Spring, and I feel energized to get outside more, I think: How can I get my body ready for summer? It would be nice if belly fat and extra pounds would melt off our body just like water. Our mind will start to race and questions pop in such as:
What is the best workout to help you lose weight and belly fat?
What is the best workout equipment for the home?
Which exercise machine is best for belly fat?
What is the best exercise equipment for beginners?
What are the best fitness programs for beginners?
When it comes to my fitness and overall health, I think about making sure that I have a wellness routine that is whole and includes all the four types of fitness. The four components of a well-rounded fitness program are: endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility.
What is the meaning of endurance in physical fitness?
Endurance exercises include cardio which gets your heart beating faster and causes you to take in more oxygen, and strength training, which gets your muscles trained to work through the exercise load without getting tired. According to Healthline (www.healthline.com), "Endurance refers to your body's physical capability to sustain an exercise for an extended period. It's made up of two components: cardiovascular endurance and muscular endurance. Cardiovascular endurance is the ability of your heart and lungs to fuel your body with oxygen. Muscular endurance is the ability of your muscles to work continuously without getting tired." www.healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/endurance-vs-stamina
What is strength in physical fitness?
In simple terms, strength refers to your ability to carry out work against a resistance. When you lift weights, you are strength training because your body is performing the work of lifting and the weight is providing the resistance. Strength training is key to building more muscle and becoming stronger.
What is balance and why is it so important?
I always joke that balance is important and it is something that I am always working on. Balance is the body's ability to control its position (whether you are sitting still or moving). Balance is important because without balance we would fall, and we could get injured. The American Heart Association gives tips on how to improve your balance with simple moves. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/balance-exercise
What is flexibility?
Flexibility is the ability for joints to move freely through a range of motion without pain. Do you remember those flexibility tests in elementary school? I remember sitting down on the gym floor with my legs stretched forward, then I had to bend my upper body to try to reach my toes, without bending my legs. That was easier as a kid, but now not so much.
As you prepare your workout routine, make sure that you include all four fitness components, to see improvements in your body overall. Set your goals, aim high, and reach for the stars.