A Dissertation on Adult Fitness, Health, and Lifestyle Considerations

This dissertation delves into the multifaceted aspects of adult fitness, health standards, and their impact on lifestyle choices. It begins with an introduction outlining the background, rationale, aims, objectives, and research questions, followed by a comprehensive literature review examining different types of physical activities, their impact on lifestyle, and the strategies adults employ to maintain health and fitness. The research methodology chapter details the research design, approach, data collection, and analysis techniques, including thematic analysis. The data presentation and analysis chapter presents findings through thematic analysis, exploring themes such as the impact of fast food, preferred physical activities, lifestyle changes, and the importance of time and social aspects in physical activities. The dissertation concludes with a summary of findings, recommendations for improving physical fitness and health conditions, and a comprehensive list of references and an appendix containing a questionnaire used in the study.

DISSERTATION

Contents
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................1
1.1 Background of the study........................................................................................................1
1.3 Rationale of the study............................................................................................................2
1.4 Research aim..........................................................................................................................2
1.5 Objectives..............................................................................................................................2
1.6 Research Questions................................................................................................................2
1.7 Outline of the dissertation......................................................................................................3
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.........................................................................................5
2.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................5
2.2 Different types of physical and fitness activities that are applied by adults..........................5
2.3 The impact on lifestyle when health, fitness and physical activities are considered.............7
2.4 Ways used by people above 18 years for remaining healthy and fit...................................10
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...........................................................................12
3.1 Research outline...................................................................................................................12
3.2 Research philosophy............................................................................................................12
3.3 Research approach...............................................................................................................13
3.4 Research design...................................................................................................................13
3.5 Research strategy.................................................................................................................14
3.6 Sampling..............................................................................................................................14
3.7 Data collection.....................................................................................................................14
3.8 Data Analysis.......................................................................................................................15
3.9 Ethical Considerations.........................................................................................................16
3.10 Research Limitations.........................................................................................................17
3.11 Summary............................................................................................................................17
CHAPTER 4: DATA PRESENTATION ANS ANALYSIS........................................................18
4.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................................18
4.2 Thematic analysis................................................................................................................18
Theme 1: Total mile that a person walks...................................................................................18
Theme 2: Regular consumption of fast food has negative impact over health..........................19

Theme 3: Different types of physical and fitness activities that you prefer..............................20
Theme 4: Think that with physical and fitness activities lifestyle changes...............................21
Theme 5: The major impact of physical and fitness activities on lifestyle...............................21
Theme 6: Factors you need to be considered while getting involved in physical activities......22
Theme 7: Time should be given for physical activities.............................................................23
Theme 8: Type of physical is highly effective..........................................................................24
Theme 9: Physical activities should not be done alone.............................................................25
Theme 10: Become conscious regarding eating habit when you are getting involved in
physical activities.......................................................................................................................26
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.....................................................28
5.1 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................28
5.2 Recommendation.................................................................................................................29
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................30
APPENDIX 1.................................................................................................................................33
Questionnaire.............................................................................................................................33

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
There are different types of changes that have taken place in relation with tastes and
preferences of people. There are many firms that have come up which providing people with
medications or with tools that can make them fit. Further, there are various types of mobile
applications that enable to track down the amount of physical activities performed by them
(Colley and Tremblay, 2011). In order to be fit, there are many considerations that have to be
made. In this context, it includes consumption of healthy food, proper diet, physical exercise, etc.
When these aspects are followed, then it becomes favourable enough for a person to be fit. This
is research is focused on determining the various physical activities, fitness and health standards
considered by Adults (above 18 years)
1.1 Background of the study
Physical fitness is considered to be a state of health in which a person is able to perform
any type of sports, daily activities and occupation (Van Dusen, Kelder and Perry, 2011). In order
to achieve this, sufficient rest is to be taken and vigorous physical exercises are considered with
proper nutrition. When talking about history, during the time of industrial revolution, fitness was
determined to be the capacity to conduct daily activities without undue fatigue. However, it is
identified that with change in lifestyle, fitness is considered to be a measure of body’s ability to
function effectively and efficiently in leisure and work activities. The type of body that male and
female have is different and physical exercise needs to be done as per their capability that each
one has (Ortega, Ruiz and Sjöström, 2008).
In this modern work, fitness means to have something that can be made attractive. As per
the history, it is identified that consciousness for fitness raise after World War II. However, that
time, the craze was very low. With development of entertainment industry, people started
copying the presence that was made by actors so that they will be able to become like them. In
the present research, main focus is made on determining the impact of changes that has taken
place in relation with physical fitness and health (Ortega, Artero and Ciarapica, 2011). Further,
to carry out research in an effective manner, there are aim and objectives set by the investigator.
These are done so that the research topic can be attained in an effective manner.
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1.3 Rationale of the study
In this modern world, there are different type of problems that are being faced by people.
With this respect, main issue is in relation with health related conditions. There are health
problems like obesity faced among young people. Main focus of the research is carried out to
explore the physical activities, fitness and health standards considered by Adults in order to be
healthy and in maintaining strength.
1.4 Research aim
Aim:
“To explore various physical activities, fitness and health standards considered by Adults: A
study on lifestyle of individuals who are about 18 years”.
1.5 Objectives
Objectives:
 To determine different types of physical and fitness activities that are applied by adults
 To analyse the impact on lifestyle when health, fitness and physical activities are
considered
 To identify the ways used by people above 18 years for remaining healthy and fit
 To recommend strategies that improve physical fitness and health conditions
In accordance with the above set aim and objectives, it will be helpful enough to
complete the research in an effective manner. There is various type of aspects that are covered in
a research and when objectives are developed, then it provides directions so that viewers will be
able to understand the main findings that are made. Further, there are changes that can be
identified in terms of workout that is made by people so that they will be able to overcome the
health issues (Rikli and Jones, 2013). In addition to this, there are different types of reasons due
to which people prefer to make efforts so that they can make themselves fit and will be focused
on attaining the goals that they have developed to achieve.
1.6 Research Questions
 What are the different types of physical and fitness activities that are applied by adults?
 What is the impact on lifestyle when health, fitness and physical activities are
considered?
 What are the ways used by people above 18 years for remaining healthy and fit?
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1.7 Outline of the dissertation
To carry out the research in an effective manner, there are certain set of steps that have to
be followed. This is done so that the viewers will be able to understand the aspects that are
covered. In this context, below given are the chapters that will be covered in this research:
Chapter 1- Introduction: This is the first chapter in dissertation. It enables to provide
proper information to viewers about the research topic. Apart from this, it also covers aim and
objectives that are set by the researcher so that viewers are able to understand areas that will be
covered. In this way, it becomes helpful to clearly understand the topic and making the goals set
to be achieved.
Chapter 2- Literature Review: This is an important chapter in dissertation. There are
different types of researches that are carried out by individuals on similar topic. These researches
are helpful to make them to develop in depth understanding for the research topic. However, it is
important to make sure that the information gathered from secondary method is not copied as it
increases the rate of plagiarism.
Chapter 3- Research Methodology: There are different types of strategies’, methods or
approaches that are included in the research. These are helpful to conduct the research and
findings that are made in effective direction. In this context, it includes research philosophy,
analysis, data collection, data analysis, etc. When these points are covered, then researcher is
able to take another step for the goals set.
Chapter 4- Data Analysis: When information is gathered, then it requires to have
analysis done so that complete data gathered can be presented and viewers will be able to
understand the same. This is possible when researcher has proper understanding about the type
of strategies that are required to be applied. For making analysis, there are two methods. Both
these are helpful enough to conduct the research in an effective direction.
Chapter 5- Conclusion and Recommendations: This is the part in which all findings are
concluded. This is done for each of the chapters that are covered in dissertation. Further, it is
important for the researcher to make sure that all aspects covered in main areas are concluded so
that appropriate outcome can be determined. Lastly, from the research carried out,
recommendations are made. This is done so that strategies can be applied with the help of which
areas can be improved.
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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
This is an important chapter that enables to provide adequate information in relation with
the research topic. There are various types of researches that are carried out on similar topic and
all these researches enable to develop in depth understanding. There are different areas that are
required to be covered in this chapter considering the findings that are shown so that viewers will
be able to focus on the aim and objectives of research (Weening-Dijksterhuis, de Greef and van
der Schans, 2011). Physical fitness is important for a person so that all types of diseases that are
caused with age can be eliminated to a high extent. In the process of ageing, there are many
health related problems that are faced. Cells that take care of the health get weaker and with the
help of exercises and various other strategies, it is helpful enough to reduce the rate of risks
involved. In this chapter, all objectives that are set by the researcher are covered.
2.2 Different types of physical and fitness activities that are applied by adults
According to Garber, Blissmer and Swain, (2011) physical activities can be effective for
persons only when they identify the main reason due to which they can reach them. The type of
body that each person has is different and for each of them, it is important to have appropriate
support required so that through the type of exercise that they undergo help them to attain their
goals. In order to consider the physical activities that are included, it can be determined with
various forms of exercises that are used by adults. Hildebrand, Brewer and Wolf, (2012) stated
that different types of reasons are involved due to which people prefer to exercise, for this, one
of the main reasons is that some of the people are health conscious. There are four basic
categories in which activities related with physical exercise fall. Among these, four types of
individuals focus on any one of these exercises (Janssen and LeBlanc, 2010). Only one is
selected, as it becomes difficult for others and this causes individuals to follow various steps that
can be considered in order to follow in effective manner. Below given are some of the types of
exercises performed:
Endurance: This is also known as aerobic that enables to increase the heart and breathing
rate. This enables to make lungs, circulatory system and heart healthy as well as improves the
overall fitness (Janssen and LeBlanc, 2010). When person is able to build up their endurance,
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then it helps to carry out all activities performed by them in a day becomes easy. For example:
dancing, yard working and jogging.
Balance: In accordance with this type of exercise, it enables to prevent falls and this is
considered to be a common problem in older adults. This can be improved through lower body
strength exercises that enable to have effective balance. It consists of other exercises like Tai
Chi, Heel to toe walk and standing on foot.
Flexibility: According to Biddle and Asare, (2011) flexible people are required to stretch
their muscles as it enables them to make their body to stay limber. When a person makes use of
this exercise, then he/she is able to get the freedom of movement for other exercises and to
perform all type of day to day activities in effective manner (Biddle and Asare, 2011). It includes
exercises that can be followed like yoga, calf and shoulder as well as upper arm stretch.
Strengths: With the help of strength exercise, one is able to raise muscles stronger. Apart
from this, it also enables to be independent and to perform the activities of each day in an
appropriate manner (Hildebrand, Brewer and Wolf, 2012). It consists of activities like carrying
groceries and climbing stairs. These are also known as resistance and strength training.
In all these aspects, it is important to have proper knowledge from the side of individuals
so that they can select the most suitable exercise that can support in physical strength. Further,
there are conditions in which support of government is also important so that all people will
develop consciousness towards their health (Garber, Blissmer and Swain, 2011). Each exercise
mentioned is helpful enough to provide benefits to individual’s physical capabilities. In this
respect, below given are the benefits that individuals get through each exercise:
Control over weight: As per the changes that have taken place in relation with the food,
consumption made by a person is also changed. The rate of consumption for fast food has raised.
In such condition, people who are overweight are increasing tremendously. In this context, with
the help of exercise, individuals are able to maintain their body weight. A person is able to gain
weight when calories are burn and this is possible when there are physical activities done. Fat is
considered to be one of the main aspects due to which weight increases and to burn up fat,
exercise is highly effective (Weening-Dijksterhuis, de Greef and van der Schans, 2011). A
person can focus on either to reduce weight or to maintain it. The amount of consumption that is
taken needs to be used so that proper balance will be maintained. For this respect, it is required to
develop a proper or balanced diet so that weight can be controlled.
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Reducing risk of cardiovascular diseases: There are two main causes due to which the
rate of death has raised and it includes disease like stroke and heart problems. With the help of
exercise people are able to gain wright, are enables to reduce the rate of risk that is included in
this process (Garber, Blissmer and Swain, 2011).
Reducing the risk of cancer: When a person is physically active, then the rate of two
different types of cancer gets reduced. More specifically, the rate of risk in relation with cancer
like colon and breast cancer also decreases. When proper consideration is not made in relation
with the food that is being consumed, then it affects health in a negative manner.
2.3 The impact on lifestyle when health, fitness and physical activities are considered
According to van Poppel, Chinapaw and Terwee, (2010) with the changes in types of
food that are consumed, there are changes that have taken place in the life style. When compared
with the early years, people who used to have a lot of physical movement and individuals in this
modern world prefer to work sitting at one place. This can be considered as one of the reasons
due to which changes in physical condition causes serious problems to health. The rate of obesity
and other diseases is increasing. Most of the diseases can be eliminated when there is proper diet
followed (Rhodes and Pfaeffli, 2010). As per Ainsworth, Haskell and Leon, (2011), lifestyle can
be determined as the way through which group, nations and people form specific economic,
cultural and religious economic text. In order words, it is considered to be characteristics that are
inhabitants of region in special place and time. Further, it also influences day to day functions
and behaviour of people in their fun, diet, job and activities. Poston, Haddock and Kales, (2011)
stated that lifestyle is considered to be an important factor of health and there are researches that
are carried out to determine the preferences of people and areas in which they prefer to develop.
As per one of the researches that is carried out by WHO, among 60% of the factors that
are related with quality and health of life are related with lifestyle (van de Laar, Ferreira and
Stehouwer, 2010). There are about more than million people who do not follow a healthy
lifestyle. For example, it is suggested to make drinking water boil and then it should be used for
drinking. Similarly, there are many practices that are required to be followed by people which
are not generally done. Due to unhealthy lifestyle, there are many problems that are faced like
overweight, violence, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, etc. In this context, it is important to
have a strong relationship in between health and lifestyle. There are many factors that get
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affected due to change in lifestyle (Santos, Silva and Sardinha, 2012). In this respect, below
given are factors that affect the health due to lifestyle:
Exercise and activity level: There are people who would suggest to convey and spread
information in which they are able to convey that proper exercise is highly important so as to
maintain the health. This is a type of lifestyle in which individuals need to find time for
themselves and exercise (Kriemler, Zahner and Puder, 2010). With the help of exercise,
individuals are able to reduce their body pain and face mobility challenges.
Smoking: A person who has mental health is generally addicted to smoking. Earlier, it
was believed that smoking might help in reducing the issues related with mental health
symptoms. For a person who is chain smoker, it is difficult for him to quit as it also has other
negative impacts on mental health. When a person smokes, variety of toxins are taken in by a
person and the amount of these toxins may be so high that it can cause mood problems (Anokye,
Trueman, and Taylor, 2012). Other than this, there are other physical health related problems that
a person can face. In this context, it includes coughing, frequent colds, heart diseases, difficulty
in exercising, etc. As a type of lifestyle, individuals at the initial stage may not be able to
recognize the negative impact of smoking but with time, this lifestyle has an adverse effect and
in most of the cases, it can also lead a person to death.
Diet: There are many physical requirements that a body needs like proteins, vitamins,
calcium, etc. All these are required by a person’s body on frequent basis. However, with the
changing lifestyle for consumption of food has caused serious health problems. On the other
hand, when diet is properly taken, then it enables to provide a healthy life (Latimer-Cheung,
Pilutti and Motl, 2013). The type of choices made need to be correct in which the products that
consist of high fat should be avoided. Once in a while, consumption of these types of products
does not have any type of problem but regular consumption causes serious health issues.
Healthy sleep: It is required to have proper concern for taking up time to have proper
sleep. It is important that after complete day of work, body requires to have rest so that energy
can be regained. In this context, individuals need to have proper schedule made for day to day
activities in order to have proper rest time.
Isolation: If a person is isolated, then it causes issues in relation with overall well-being
and mental health. For individual’s growth, it is required for a person to socialize and develop
relationship with others (O'Donovan, Blazevich and Hamer, 2010). Mental condition of a person
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gets negatively affected when a person do not have interaction with any person, then it causes
mental issues to face others and this type of lifestyle makes a person to face situation of
depression, anxiety, etc.
Stress: When a person fails to take appropriate steps in relation with managing stress,
then it has an inverse impact on the health. In makes individuals to cope up with the things that
they are required to perform (Ekelund, Luan and Griew, 2012). Apart from this, it also has a
negative impact over diet.
Age: People who are young prefer to consume different types of food and these are
helpful for them to make the rate of work to be performed in an effective manner. In this respect,
the age is considered to be a factor that makes a person benefited as it reduces mental health,
physical strength, etc. The age factor can get positively affected when person initially takes care
of his/her diet (Casanova, Celli and Pinto-Plata, 2011). When proper food is consumed with
appropriate calories and other requirements, then it has a positive impact on the health.
Physical inactivity of a person is considered to be a modifiable risk factor for
cardiovascular disease. When a person has physical activity on daily basis, it is considered to be
an effective strategy for improving sleep. This is not just the idea but it is a type of strategy to
improve sleep (Ginis, Hicks, and Pomerleau, 2011). With increase in age, it is important that
changes are required to be made in the physical activities performed and it also changes the total
time that a person sleeps.
When a person has fitness or physical activities, then there are many positive changes
identified in their lifestyle. In this context, some of the benefits are as follows:
Person is much happier: Individuals who exercise are able to develop a positive
perception in their mind. Further, it makes a person to control over their stress level as well. With
the help of endurance exercise, it is helpful to reduce the cortisol and adrenaline in the body.
These are the types of hormones that help to reduce stress level. In addition to this, it also makes
a person reduce the rate of anxiety and depression (Garber, Blissmer and Swain, 2011).
People are able to sleep better: There are individuals who find it difficult to rest but for
the people who have their regular exercise are able to get good sleep. Further, it also helps to
improve the immune system and a person becomes healthier as muscles are gained and fat is
burned. In this way, it can be stated that the immune system of a person gets better.
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2.4 Ways used by people above 18 years for remaining healthy and fit
In context of physical activity, procrastination is considered to be tempting. Generally, it
is identified that people would convey that they did not had time for excuses. In order to remain
healthy, there are different types of strategies that are used by youngsters with the help of which
they remain healthy (van Poppel, Chinapaw and Terwee, 2010). Below given are few of the
strategies:
Determining right motivation: As per Rhodes and Pfaeffli, (2010) different people have
diverse set of perception that is carried out by individuals. Further, the liking that individuals
have will also differ. In this context, it is important to make sure that motivational area in a
person’s life is identified. When these are done, then it becomes favourable enough to work out
in an effective manner.
Preparing action plan: To stay healthy, it is required to have proper analysis made in
which a person should develop a strong plan that is required to be followed. When these are
done, then it becomes favourable enough to make the individuals to put on various types of
physical activities that can support a person to stay healthy (Ainsworth, Haskell and Leon, 2011).
Majority of individuals do not have appropriate type of idea that they should consider so that
they can remain healthy. However, when they are able to develop an action plan, then it becomes
effective enough to make sure that they can develop their experience and health in a positive
manner.
Regular check-ups: A person should be well aware of the health conditions that he/she
goes through. In order to make them sure, it is required to have regular check-ups from
professionals so that they are able to get medications through which the health related problem
can be solved. There are situations faced by 18 years old person that the rate of information they
have regarding health is low (Poston, Haddock and Kales, 2011). However, when there is
support attained from professionals, then they are able to develop their condition in a positive
manner and raise their knowledge towards health situations faced by them.
Need to have positive mental attitude: There are conditions in which person set out their
own ways for conducting the operations but they fail to do so because of lack in positive attitude.
In this respect, proper analysis needs to be made in which the activities that a person is willing to
implement enables to develop positive attitude (van de Laar, Ferreira and Stehouwer, 2010).
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