Like nutrition, poor fitness levels influence our weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol profile, increasing our risk for chronic illness.

Like nutrition, poor fitness levels influence our weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol profile, increasing our risk for chronic illness. Ideally, individuals should develop an exercise routine that addresses the five components of fitness: cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. Improvements in each of these areas is protective against disease. Studies have also shown that achieving even baseline fitness can elevate self-esteem, aid in stress management, increase attention, and promote quality sleep.

1. Read the World Health Organization’s first ever report on the impact of global inactivity below.

2. Read the Executive Summary of the Physical Activity Guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services below. It is a compliment to the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans you read last week.

3. The third link is a top ten list from the full Physical Activity Guidelines document.

4. Finally, watch neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki explain how exercise impacts brain function. Finally, review the five components of fitness.

WHO highlights high cost of physical inactivity in first-ever global reportLinks to an external site.

PAG_ExecutiveSummary Fitness.pdfDownload PAG_ExecutiveSummary Fitness.pdf

Top 10 Things to Know About the Second Edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans | health.govLinks to an external site.

(409) Wendy Suzuki: The brain-changing benefits of exercise | TED – YouTubeLinks to an external site.

What are 5 Components of Physical Fitness? – Trend HealthLinks to an external site.

Using the resources above respond to the following:

1. What are three implications for global health based on the WHO report?

2. Based on your own health status and health behaviors (as well as family health history if you know it), what chronic diseases does/would being fit protect you from?

3. From Dr. Suzuki’s research, what is the relationship between exercise and neurological health?

4. Rate yourself in each of the fitness components on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best. Explain the rating for each and what you currently do/or should do to achieve better fitness in this area.