Physical Fitness and Wellness - Challenge in the 21st Century

Abstract

Physical fitness is the general capacity to adapt and respond favorably to physical effort. Wellness is the search for enhanced quality of life, personal growth, and potential through positive lifestyle behaviors and attitudes. It is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a more successful existence. Physical fitness and wellness are closely related and often interdependent. To live long and successful happy life, fitness and wellness is must. In recent times maintaining the physical fitness and wellness is the biggest challenge. Movement and physical activity are basic functions for which human organism was created. Advances in modern science and technology provide all amenities and conveniences that make our life easier and comfortable which almost eliminated the need of physical activity in most of every ones’ daily life. At the same time handling such amenities creates lots of pressure and stress; affect our mental health, alertness and personal relationship. The progress of medical science led to elimination of most of common health problem. But the changing lifestyle increases the chronic health problems such as hypertension, diabetes, strokes etc. A fitness and wellness movement was taken place gradually at the end of the 20th century. People need to understand that good health is mostly self-controlled. Positive lifestyle could prevent leading causes of health and wellness problem. The fitness and wellness could be enhanced through participation in quality fitness and wellness program focused on enhancing the overall quality oflife.