Why We Get Fat : Exercise

 Americans can be very sedentary. Being overweight remains the single biggest health risk in this country. Thirty-seven percent of the population is obese, defined as being more than 35 pounds overweight.

 These numbers are reaching alarming rates, and with good reason. There are over 200 television channels to choose from, movies to watch on television or on DVD,electronic games to be played, and then there’s the Internet. It’s easier to text-message friends or talk to them on the webcam than to actually get together.Evolution also plays a role in why we are less active. It used to be that people got their exercise from working in the fields. Today, farming is no longer a common occupation and machinery has replaced most of the handwork involved. In a nutshell, life is easier and more convenient. We have telephones, cars, remote controls, and home delivery service.

 These modern conveniences are modern inconveniences for our physical health. In the 21st Century, we have to search for ways to replace the activity that technology has helped to remove. Thankfully, there are fun ways to do this. Another important consideration is the kind of exercises we engage in.

 While any movement is beneficial, the key is to get the heart pumping. The heart is a muscle and requires movement just as much as any other muscle.

 With Eastern influences in the United States attracting great numbers of adherents, more people are participating in activities such as yoga, tai chi, qi gong, and other meditative arts. These disciplines have tremendous benefit for toning, improving flexibility, increasing balance, and clearing the mind. But they are not ideal for burning calories. Activities such as brisk walking, running, playing a sport, jogging on a treadmill, or taking an aerobics class are more likely to increase your heart rate and shed pounds. Our bodies were designed to be in motion.

 They have their own built-in intelligence systems that prompt us to move and keep active. Balanced with that is the relaxation system vying for attention. It is essential in maintaining a healthy weight to make a conscious choice to keep moving. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 25 percent of all Americans are living sedentary lives, while an additional 55 percent do not exercise enough on a regular basis.