Signey Stoesz is author of next 2015-2016 MLHS senior student editorial
Be Fit!
People give a variety of excuses as to why they are not active, usually along the lines of, “I do not have enough time to exercise,” or, “My body is getting too old to handle activity,” which are completely false. Being fit is actually quite easy, and engaging in physical activity can strengthen your mind, body, and relationships.
In this day and age, many Americans are not active and are considered obese or overweight. “More than two in three adults are considered to be overweight or obese, one in twenty adults are considered to have extreme obesity, and about one third of children and adolescents ages six to nineteen are considered overweight or obese,” according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services. These numbers are not favorable, and, in my eyes, quite sad.
With such negative numbers linked to obesity in adults and adolescents, we Americans should work toward being more active because of the positive physical, mental, and social results. A positive outcome physically is that exercise strengthens the heart and lungs and helps control weight better. In addition to this, fitness has been linked to not only decreased health problems, but also to curing specific problems like coronary heart disease, risk of stroke, type two diabetes, and high blood pressure. These diseases are scary, but can be prevented with simple changes in lifestyle. Exercise is also socially beneficial since it is a quality way to spend time with your loved ones. Finally, exercise helps people mentally by increasing motivation, boosting one’s confidence, and helping students perform better.
Fortunately, changing to an active lifestyle is actually quite easy by implementing a few simple changes. Some people categorize activity by going to a gym and working intensely, which is a great way to exercise, but not the only way. By simply taking the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator, walking to the post office to drop off mail instead of driving, or taking the dog for a walk on a gorgeous night, you can adopt a more active lifestyle. To add on, instead of sitting on the couch eating a bowl of ice cream to indulge in a favorite show, you could watch the same show while walking on the treadmill at the gym. Also, you can meet others who are motivated to go to the gym or go on walks to relieve everyday stress, making an active lifestyle a social activity as well! Cleaning the house is another activity that requires energy and is not only a form of exercise, but one that leads to a clean house, making it a two-for-one deal.
Knowing the obesity numbers and the risks of being overweight, people should see activity as a necessity in everyday life since the positives outweigh the negative. Physical activity does not have to be grueling and can be a fun activity to share with others. The next time you face the decision to sit on the couch and enjoy a piece of cake or go on a walk with a friend, I encourage you to take the walk and enjoy the company of a friend!