Hearts pounding. Sweat dripping to the ground. For Santa Rosa Junior College athletes, these are only the signs of a good workout and a healthy life.
Consistent physical activity, along with a nutritious diet, is beneficial for all people. Whether you are lifting weights, running a marathon or simply taking a walk around the neighborhood, it is important to include exercise as a part of your normal daily routine.
“It’s been one of those things I do every day; get up and just try to live a healthy lifestyle by trying to eat right and get exercise,” said SRJC men’s basketball player Corey Hammel.
Over the last 20 years, the United States has seen a major increase in obesity, with over one third of adults and 17 percent of children overweight, according to the U.S. President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.
While many may be asking how obesity has gotten to be this out-of-hand, the obvious response is that the amount of physical activity has decreased while the availability of unhealthy foods have skyrocketed.
Sure, it is not necessarily life-threatening to have that extra scoop of ice cream or a couple of French fries now and then, but missing out on a daily cardio workout just may be.
Not only does exercise help burn fat and control weight, but it can also condition the heart and lungs, increase muscle and joint development and relieve stress, all of which can increase a person’s chances of living longer.
Physically inactive people may put themselves at risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and various forms of cancer, according to the President’s Council.
Not only do overweight, inactive people have higher risks of chronic diseases and health complications, but the President’s Council also says that, with more health problems, overweight people often use more money for health care. Those who are overweight have medical costs that are $1,429 more than those of normal weight. Annual direct costs of childhood obesity are an estimated $14.3 billion.
As an athlete on a sports team, it is especially important to keep oneself physically fit in order to be successful. When one is overweight and unhealthy, it is often difficult to keep up with other players and fully participate.
“For basketball, you’re running constantly. You take breaks every now and then, but you have to be fit to move around with other players,” said SRJC women’s basketball player Madison Sowards.
A recent report stated that San Francisco Giants’ third baseman Pablo Sandoval had lost at least 42 pounds during the 19-week offseason. The 27-year-old put his Giants career at risk in previous seasons after his weight problem got in the way of his performance. He is just one example of professional athletes who were encouraged to shed pounds.
“Fitness is a very important component of being an athlete on a sport team,” said SRJC head baseball coach Damon Neidlinger. “The fitness level an athlete maintains is instrumental in staying healthy throughout a long season.”
Neidlinger also gave tips on how to maintain physical wellness.
“Be consistent and find something you like doing,” he said. “It’s better to walk 20 minutes four days a week for the rest of your life than work out for an hour and a half a day for three months and burn out.”
Whether it’s a two-mile jog or a friendly tennis match with buddies, it is refreshing for the body and mind to get out of the house and burn some calories. So why not start now?
