by Wendy S. Melton

Created on: February 24, 2013   Last Updated: February 25, 2013

People try to convince themselves they are getting what they need in the way of diet and exercise by doing what they are already doing. They realize too late, however, their lifestyle needs some drastic improvements. By the time many people figure it out, they have the beginnings of chronic heart and lung disease and being border-line diabetic.

Lack of exercise and poor diet are two of the biggest lifestyle factors people must worry about when determining how healthy they really are. The following indicators should be considered when evaluating one's

fitness levels.

Lose breath quickly

When walking only a few short yards causes a person to lose their breath, odds are they are out of shape. Lack of exercise has a direct impact on lung capacity. When a person lives a sedentary lifestyle, they do little to expand their lungs and keep them prepared for strenuous activity.

Rapid heart beat

If a person's heart rate quickens after minimal activity, it is an indicator they are not getting adequate exercise to keep their heart in the best physical shape. Exercise works the heart in the same way it works other muscles in the body.

Muscle soreness and stiffness

Lack of exercise causes muscles to lose elasticity. Mobility decreases and can cause joints to become stiff if a person sits for extended periods of time. For someone who spends their days sitting in an office chair, strenuous exercise or more activity than normal can cause muscles to become sore and uncomfortable.

Weakness

Individuals who don't lose their muscles on a regular basis, lose the strength they have built up over time. Muscle weakness can cause individuals to become fatigued and tire much faster than those who work to maintain their strength. Lack of activity can also cause the heart muscle to weaken leading to various types of heart disease.

Depression

Exercise releases endorphins in the body which elevate mood and increase thought clarity. People who lead sedentary lifestyles often become depressed. People who are limited in mobility can sometimes become mired in a cycle that perpetuates itself. The longer they remain still, the more depressed they get. The more depressed they get, the less they feel like doing. It is a vicious cycle that can lead to dramatic health concerns if not properly addressed.

Excessive weight gain

People who are not active, tend to gain weight easily. Their lack of movement causes calories to accumulate and weight to be gained. Without exercise, the calories they consume are not burned away and stay within the body.

Individuals who face the fact they are unfit will often begin to take the steps necessary to improve their health. Making improvements in their diet and increasing the amount of time spent exercising are the two factors that most people need to address. Gradual changes are much easier for the body to handle and will prevent a person from injuring themselves while trying to do too much.

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