Fitness & Muscle – The Best Ways to Get in Shape

Fitness and muscle are more than trips to the gym and the loss of a few pounds. To be truly fit, you must be both mentally and physically fit! The components of fitness include power, strength, endurance, flexibility, agility, balance, and coordination. These are important whether you are a professional athlete or a new trainee in the gym. Therefore, your fitness and muscle program should include and address all these components.

Strength – Resistance and weight training will increase your strength.
Power – Powerlifting, Olympic lifts, and plyometrics are your best options.
Endurance – Include exercises like running, long brisk walks, cycling, aerobics, or rowing.
Flexibility – Perform 3-5 minutes of stretching before and after your workouts. Yoga and Pilates are also excellent choices.
Balance and Coordination – Core training and a balance ball are good choices.

Fitness and muscle have benefits beyond being more robust, faster, and flexible. Being fit will provide the following: improved strength, reduced risk of illness, lower Stress Levels, improved sleep and brain health, and increased self-confidence. When you look good, you feel good. When you are healthy and fit, you will stand straight, walk tall, and carry yourself more confidently. Once you are well, you will likely engage in healthy behaviors while avoiding unhealthy habits like overeating, excessive drinking, or smoking. Instead, you will look forward to working out regularly, eating a balanced nutritious diet, and treating your body with respect.