Physical fitness is extremely important for your health. Staying fit can help keep your heart healthy and prevent heart disease later in life, as well as keeping muscles strong to avoid joint injuries. Read on for some tips on keeping your body fit to make sure that you stay healthy.

Listen to fast-paced music when doing anything physical. Studies have shown that music with a quick pace will help to increase your heart rate, therefore helping you burn more calories. It may also put you in a more energetic mood, helping you keep moving longer. Don’t be afraid to “bump some jams” while you vacuum!

To increase your endurance, breathe fully and from your diaphragm when you exercise, particularly when running. This increases your oxygen intake and your lung capacity and lets you exercise longer. If you don’t know how to breathe from your diaphragm, you can lie down and put something on your stomach, then practice making it rise and fall as you inhale and exhale.

Having goals to achieve is a great way to get motivated. You will want to continue reaching your goals and not think about how hard it is. If you have goals in mind, you’re also less likely to quit, as you’ll want to see through the things you’ve started.

Stretch those muscles. Your muscles have to get stretched for longer periods of time as you get older. Aging causes muscle density to decrease, as well as a decrease in pliability. Under 40 years old? Hold stretches for about 30 seconds. Over 40? Stretch for about a minute. You’ll feel more flexible and limber this way.

As you can see, staying fit isn’t so hard when you know what to do. Apply the tips you read in this article to make your own fitness program and make sure that your body gets the exercise it needs to stay healthy and strong. Start today and see the difference!

By pauline