The Health Benefits of Exercise Essay -- Healthy Lifestyle Essay

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Everyone in America these days seems to be concerned with their physical fitness, and everyone’s talking about getting in shape, but the numbers don’t lie. In 1980, 25 percent of adults in this country were overweight; a staggering amount, but the numbers have increased to 34 percent today (Shape 1). Most people attribute this fact to America also being the richest country in the world with very few people actually going hungry. However, the overweight problem in America is not only a product of eating too much, but this goes hand in hand with not getting enough exercise to burn off those unwanted pounds. Talk about getting in shape is all over books, magazines, TV shows, newspaper articles and celebrity videos that are all centered around fitness and exercise. I think everyone would agree that exercise and physical fitness are a very important part of our lives, â€Å"...but the truth is most adult Americans do not exercise on a regula r basis. And yet, to feel good, look our best and live longer, fuller lives, regular exercise is a must† (Exercise Your Way 1). â€Å"Many people start the new year with new health club memberships, new exercise equipment and a lot of enthusiasm about losing weight, toning muscles, and improving aerobic endurance. But most of these people will be back to their old habits by Valentine’s Day. The new exercise equipment will be used as a clothes rack, the health club membership will have lapsed and the new running shoes will be used only for running to the store† (Stick 1). The problem is that people have too many excuses not to exercise, and not enough reasons to want to exercise. The solution to this problem is simple. We must, as a society, get ourselves informed of the benefits of exercise, and then... ...tor. 17 April, 1997. Go To (March 1997). Jackson, Jeanne M.. The Relationship Between Physical Fitness Levels and Self Concept in College Males/Females. Health, Physical education and Recreation: Microcard Publications. 1980, Northeastern Missouri State University: FICHE #3766. Making a Commitment. Netscape Navigator. 16 April 1997. Go To (April 1997). Norton, Cindy. Student Purposes for Engaging in Fitness Activities. University of Oregon: Microform Publications. 1995, College of Human Development: FICHE # 5124. Shape Up America: General Information. Netscape Navigator. 17 April, 1997. Go To (March 1997). Stick to Your Fitness Program. Netscape Navigator. 16 April, 1997. Go To (April 9, 1997). Stress Management. Netscape Navigator. 16 April, 1997. Go To (April 1997). Walking is Good. Netscape Navigator. 16 April, 1997. Go To (April 9, 1997).