Obesity and the American People How to Lead the Fitness Revolution

We live in a nation of abundance where basic needs are easily fulfilled. This is in stark contrast to a majority of third-world countries that suffer from starvation. In the United States we face an epidemic of our own: obesity. Nearly two out of every three adults in the U.S. is considered overweight or obese thanks to the extravagance that has become commonplace in our society. This has lead to a call for revolution as more and more Americans abandon the burger joints and head to the gym to shed pounds and get in shape.

Fit and Healthy

The Centers for Disease Control has stated that three-quarters of all healthcare spending actually goes to treat chronic diseases that could have been prevented with a proper diet and exercise. Obesity lowers the body’s ability to fight infections and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer — 3 million deaths every year are directly linked to obesity. Studies not only suggest that regular physical activity can lower the risk for heart attack, stroke, and diabetes but a 2012 study published by the British Medical Journal showed that regular exercise and dieting can help elderly women live five years longer and elderly men live six years longer.

The Reality of Fitness

While everyone may wish to get in shape, wishes alone do not help people shed weight. In fact, only around 20% of people can lose weight and keep it off without help — this may be due to poor habits, depression, genetics, or other unseen factors. Today only around 20% of all adults meet the Centers for Disease Control’s Physical Activity Guidelines for aerobic physical and muscle-strengthen activity, meaning that even those who are regularly dieting and exercising may not be meeting those goals. It is recommended that adults get 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity workouts every week and 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity workouts every week. A moderate-intensity activity is akin to walking on a level surface at a brisk pace; a vigorous-intensity activity would be one that increases the individual’s heart rate and makes it difficult to carry on a conversation due to intense breathing.

The PiYo Transformation

Finding a fitness plan that is engaging, fun, and fulfills the moderate and vigorous-intensity requirements adults need can be a challenge — the fact is, many people grow discouraged by diets that fail to produce results. For those who have tried it all to no avail, a PiYo fitness plan may work best for you. PiYo workouts combine the muscle-sculpting results of Pilates with the flexibility and body control of yoga to create a unique workout that sees results. Millions of gyms across the country have been using PiYo workouts taught by certified PiYo trainers. When combined with a PiYo meal plan, those who have switched to PiYo workouts have seen results in as little as 60 days — and these are individuals who have tried other diets to no avail. For those looking to lose weight, get in shape, and have fun doing it, chances are there is a PiYo class in your area just waiting to change your life.