5 Great Reasons to be Active and Fit
When it comes to your own physique, it’s time to use it or lose it! Based on research conducted by PHIT America, the positive side effects of being active are powerful.
“The comments from the medical profession about an active lifestyle are convincing and energizing,” said Jim Baugh, founder of PHIT America, a cause designed to create a Movement for a Fit and Healthy America and partner of the Together Counts program. “It’s time for Americans of all ages to incorporate regular physical activity into their lives starting today, if they haven’t already done so.”
Listed below are five facts about the positive side effects of an active lifestyle. Did you know:
- Daily Physical Activity Cuts Sick Days By Up To 50% – “No pill or nutritional supplement has the power of near-daily moderate activity in lowering the number of sick days people take.” – David Nieman, PhD, Appalachian State University; Source: Wall Street Journal
- Active People Are 65% Less Likely To Be Tired During the Business Day – “Exercisers fall asleep faster, suffer fewer middle-of-the-night wake-up and have a reduced risk of sleep disorders.” – Brad Cardinal, PhD, Oregon State University; Source: Huffington Post
- Activity Reduces Up to 80% Of Pre-Existing Back Pain – “Research has shown that a better fix, in most patients, is strength training. It can lessen pain by 30 to 80% in 10 to 12 weeks.” – Wayne Westcott, Quincy College; Source: Health
- Activity reduces cases of common cold by 46% – “Moderate exercise helps boost immunity by increasing the movement of immune cells.” — Dr. David C. Nieman, Appalachian State University (Study from British Journal of Sports Medicine); Source: British Journal of Sports Medicine
- Activity Creates Enhanced Pain Tolerance – “Athletes were found to have consistently higher pain tolerances in comparison.” – Dr. Jonas Tesarz, University of Heidelberg; Source: EurekAlert
“When Americans start incorporating regular physical activity into their lives and we get daily physical activity in our schools, it will have a transformational impact on our nation’s health,” said Baugh.
PHIT America is a member of the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation. PHIT is a non-profit educational, social media, and advocacy campaign focused on overcoming the inactivity and obesity in America by creating a Movement for a Fit & Healthy America. Fueled by 150 companies, sports ambassadors and celebrities, PHIT America is dedicated to getting Americans more active, fit and healthy.
For more information on staying fit, take a look at these articles on the Together Counts blog: