Living a Healthy Life -- Wellness and Physical Fitness
Classes:
Introduction > Take the Test > Nutrition and Meal Preparation > Exercise and Physical Fitness > Prevention and Regular Check-Ups > Special Considerations > Conclusion
Types of Exercise > Common Terms > General Guidelines For Exercise > Maintaining a Healthy Weight > Quick Tips for Exercise On the Go!
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
One of the many reasons people exercise is to maintain a healthy body weight. Weighing too much (or too little) can be very harmful to your health. But what is a healthy body weight? The answer to that question depends on many factors, including your age, gender, height, body type and shape, health, and overall fitness.
Increasingly, our society is becoming obsessed with body weight and image. Many of the images we see on TV, in magazines, in films, and elsewhere stress the importance of an 'ideal' body that is often very unrealistic or even impossible.
While it is important to remember that maintaining a healthy weight can lead to a healthier lifestyle, its also important to remember that people's "natural" weight and body shapes vary greatly. Not everyone will be able to look model thin or muscle-man toned, no matter how often they exercise and how carefully they watch their diet. Behaving in unhealthy ways (for example going on extreme diets, having an extreme exercise program, or taking unprescribed medicines or supplements) to try to change your body can do more damage than good.
You should work with your doctor or healthcare provider to figure out what your healthiest body weight should be. Remember, that weight depends on many things, including whether you are male or female, your age, your height, and if you have any health issues.
Next: Quick Tips for Exercise On the Go!
