Low Income And Physical Fitness

Relations of Low Income and Physical Fitness The reasoning for why physical fitness relates to income level in the United States proves to be highly controversial. Physical fitness can be defined as the ability to carry out tasks without undue fatigue; it consists of components such as the strength of the heart, muscles, and body composition. Although health is critical to maintain at any age, many Americans in today’s time ignore the physical needs their body demands. Dave White states that, “National Health and Nutrition Examination survey indicate that only approximately 9.6% of the U.S. population currently meets the U.S. physical activity guidelines.” (266) Only by observing America’s social media such as advertisements and models, one

Routine physical activity may be difficult for those with low income to achieve. Firstly, people who have low income generally must work longer and laborious hours than people in the high and middle income rankings in order to have enough money to get by. Low-class Americans simply do not have the time or energy to exercise their bodies. Also, an individual’s economic status can be the cause for several obstacles of achieving physical fitness. For instance, the lack of transportation to and from the gym could be a major problem, as well as being able to pay gym membership fees or gym equipment. It is further explained, “A lack of good transportation choices is the most important single issue that limits routine activities such as walking, biking, and transit use by low income people.” (Squibb 2) Poor economy is only one of the ways low-income individuals are limited to physical fitness. Another factor of little to no physical fitness in Americans with low-income are social barriers such as unsafe communities and neighborhoods. It is stated

Eating nutritious food may seem simple enough, but to those that hardly get by financially, affording healthy foods can be a major hindrance. This is proven by Dr. Jim Levine, a researcher with a concentration of the link between poverty and obesity. He is quoted stating, “In many poverty-dense regions, people are… unable to access affordable healthy food, even when funds avail.” (Sifferlin 1) For example, further studies show that the average cost of salad is $1.50 more than the average cost of a hamburger. Getting vitamins and minerals from the food we eat is substantial to survive in everyday life. Annually, it costs five hundred and fifty dollars more to eat healthier. Five hundred and fifty dollars may not seem like much, but to those that have low income, it is a crucial amount. While achieving a healthy diet proves to be necessary to maintain a healthy weight, it is almost inaccessible for those with low income. Low-income individuals confront the barrier of the cost of healthier choices in their everyday