Ever think about the possibilities of being fit and unhealthy or healthy but not fit? It’s human nature to want to have the abs, or the strength, or the community, but health isn’t an endpoint – it’s a spectrum. And you can define it depending on your specific fitness goals.
If your goal is to have a healthy body think about what you do both inside, and outside, of the gym. We know getting strong is beneficial for our health, but it also reduces the risk of injuries, improves physical and mental health, decreases the chance of dying from metabolic diseases, and makes your ass and arms look good in those new clothes. But did you know that exercising hard for 1 hour a day may not be the best way to achieve your goals?
If you want to live a long happy and fit life there are other factors worth considering. Luck and genetics play a role, but so do eating well, being part of a community, having healthy relationships, and getting enough sleep. If your goal is making sure you keep your body well trained, you have to pay attention to what you’re doing OUTSIDE the gym. We now know that working out hard for 1 hour a day is great for your health but maybe not enough if your not moving your body throughout the day.
If prevention is one of your goals, a little movement throughout the day does the body good. Think about it, is there a place in your day when you could move your body parts in the opposite direction? Arms overhead – legs kicked back – sitting – or standing – walking is great for you. No need to stress about it, just do it. There are no rules to follow, no magic bullets, nothing you don’t already have available to you – just practice – consistently.
You’re already on the right path by showing up every week. Make the journey easier on yourself.
– Ryan Shelton PT, DPT, OCS
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