When most of us imagine a fit person, we think of someone at the top of their game or sport, someone very athletic looking, with a lean, sculpted, and impressive physique. But is this really fitness?
A better definition of fitness is simply, having ability or capability. The questions to ask yourself in any situation are, “Am I able to do a thing? Am I capable of doing that thing?” Some may ask, “Am I fit to do it?”
The world of fitness is subjective and relative, it’s murky. For example, the biggest, strongest man in the world may be more fit than most, when it comes to brute strength and power, but can he do a backflip? Maybe, but probably not. Can he climb up the side of a cliff? Same answer. The list can go on and on, but the fact remains that most people are not ‘fit’ for all circumstances.
When personal training clients write down the goal of becoming ‘more fit’ I usually know what they’re talking about. But do they know? Do they realize that fitness is relative for each of us? For what appears to be a monumental challenge and accomplishment of fitness for some, is just an everyday ability for others. Some examples towards the low end of the spectrum are being able to use stairs without falling, not running out of breath while walking, or working with the hands comfortably.
A common story from men over 40 goes something like this: “My doc told me I should start an exercise routine for my heart.” Well, among other hopefully obvious changes that this man should take, a proper exercise routine should enhance his health and wellbeing. However, an improper exercise or ‘fitness’ routine could do the opposite.
When a well-intentioned doctor throws out a blanket recommendation like this for a patient’s heart disease recovery, the prescribed effectiveness will be completely dependent upon the patient’s understanding of exercise and fitness. It’s like giving him a loaded gun but not telling him where the bullets come out. Or prescribing a dangerous pharmaceutical without including the dose and dosage (just take some whenever…). It’s the exact same thing for exercise. Understanding why you specifically need to be ‘fit’ and knowing exactly how to get there safely, can be as serious as life and death.
For people in less perilous situations, understanding fitness can prevent wasting countless time and energy doing the wrong things for the wrong reasons. To help personal training clients with this process, we spend a good amount of time going back and forth with simple questions and answers about why they’re seeking help. What a client often imagines their fitness goals to be at the start, may change drastically as their training progresses, and they become more completely informed and experienced.
Please give the short article Should You HIIT that Boot Camp? Matching the Right Exercise to Your Fitness Goals a quick read if you’re interested in learning more about this topic. Beyond that, please consider what it is you really want to be able to do. What do you want to be capable of and what are you willing to do to achieve it?
Keep in mind that the further you are from your goal, the longer it will take to get there. Seems simple, but it’s in our nature to want to get somewhere fast! There are NO shortcuts to fitness. There are methods that give you a maximum return on investment and there are methods that will bankrupt you.
Please take caution before you set out on a fitness campaign and use your best judgement in selecting your coach, physical therapist, or personal trainer. I am of course here to help you on that journey if you so desire. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation and be well! 😊
