What is Fitness??

What Is Fitness?

This topic can get very philosophical.  Whole chapters have been devoted to it in textbooks, books even.  So let’s keep it simple.  Here are some working definitions that can help us with the whole concept of “well being”. 

Wellness – has to do with how you are as a whole, physically, mentally and emotionally

        

Health – the absence of disease

Fitness – has to do with how your body is operating physically; this can include muscle strength & endurance, cardiopulmonary function, balance, flexibility, and at times mental functioning.

If any of the above are deficient, the result may be other problems with your “well being” and ultimately a health problem.  This is very much like a table with uneven legs – balance is missing and things are off kilter.

As We Age   Parameters of fitness can and do change as we age. Our bodies may go from needing strength and endurance exercises to needing more stretching and balance training techniques. We may need an exercise prescription or program that emphasizes relieving aches and pains in muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Assessment & careful exercise program design are keys to success.  A conscientious trainer will make this a priority, evaluating flexibility, balance, muscle range of motion, core strength, in addition to body measurements and body fat.

Coming Next Time - Who's More Fit ?  So I ask you, who's more fit?  A nurse who is on her feet all day, and never gets to the gym?  Or, a tech worker, who hits the gym for an hour five days a week, but sits at a computer for over 8 hours a day?  We will discuss that topic in the next post.

Free Handout   For a free handout of seated stretches that you can do at your desk, click here

Also coming soon – dangers of sitting too much, and what you can do about it, and by popular request - how to get started on exercise.

Till later – keep moving,

Judy Chong, Pharm.D., MS, CSCS
Fitness Spark Personal Training 
www.fitness-spark.biz 
judy@fitness-spark.biz 
510-589-1337 

Disclaimer – Fitness Spark*S* is not intended as medical advice. Some clients should check in with their physician first.  You can learn more about my credentials at www.fitness-spark.biz or the right menu bar.

©Judy Chong, Fitness Spark Personal Training, Nov 1, 2014.