Fitness translates into function, improving your ability to do everyday activities. And no, you don't need to spend hours at the gym to boost your fitness. Fitness and Exercise: Health Benefits, How to Get Started, and How to Get Better Many people strive to be fit. Fitness, after all, is synonymous with health.Having a high level of overall fitness is linked with a lower risk of chronic disease, as well as a better ability to manage health issues that do come up. Better fitness also promotes more functionality and mobility throughout one’s life span.