Physically fit means what?
What exactly does being physically fit really mean? What is involved in being physically fit? Does it encompass muscular endurance, muscular strength and then cardiovascular endurance and also flexibility? How would I know if I am physically fit or not and why would it matter?
Does it Matter?
It may not matter to some people. It does matter to me and many of my clients. How do I get more fit Holly? I want to do more weights. I just want to do cardio. I sure don’t want to do any Yoga! I don’t want to have muscles like a man! And the list goes on.
Fitness is Individual
I have always believed that being physically fit is a very important part of life. The components have changed a bit over time. Each person’s level of fitness is individual. An athlete’s level of fitness is definitely different than the ordinary individual who isn’t involved in a sport. A Senior person’s fitness is different than a Mom with a 3 year old. The benefits of physical fitness far outweigh the results of a sedentary lifestyle..
Definitions of Physical Fitness
I found a couple of definitions of Physical Fitness that I think are pretty good. Take a look at these and tell me what you think.
“The human body’s ability to move with desired speed, balance, agility and strength gained through proper exercise and nutrition.” –Don Hoskins
“Physical fitness is training for LIFE. It’s the body’s ability to be able to withstand whatever life throws it’s way! Sprinting, jumping, walking, playing with grandchildren…physical fitness is specific to the individual and therefore, training to improve and maintain it should be as well!” -Sarah E. Rippel
“Physical fitness is going through the day with a sense of confidence that you can put whatever the day has in store for you on your back, hold it there for awhile, and then set it back down later, with good form. It can give you peace of mind that you are better equipped to handle the physical challenges of daily life, from reaching high to bending low, from running with a purpose, or running with no purpose at all. You can be carrying your whole life in a bag everyday to carrying just you, everywhere. Physical fitness is not a race, it’s a pursuit. There is no finish line to look for, but a new starting line to cross every day. The only real “goal” is to never finish. Physical fitness is human, being.” -Tom Bravo
Do you consider yourself physically fit? Which definition fits better with your definition? What’s the most important reason why you keep yourself physically fit? Thanks for leaving your comments below.
Tom Bravo’s definition suits me well! The popular catch phrase is ‘it resonates with me!” and it does! My catch phrase is ‘I want to be just like him when I grow up!’ and I do! Getting to know you, I am learning that you are already like Tom! Thank you Holly for helping us to examine our thoughts about physical fitness! It’s something that we take for granted yet really appreciate when it’s gone!
Linda
Linda G. Cox recently posted..Baby Boomer Generation
Your Welcome Linda,
We do often take it for granted until it is gone. Which makes the battle toward it far tougher.. My wish is to catch those willing so that they “get it” before they have really lost it. Being Physically fit and mentally fit are both a big part of the “game” of life. Thanks so much for stopping by to comment!
I’m with Linda on this, I like Tom’s description best too.
For me it’s never been about being able to run for miles or lift weights, but more about being able to get through my day with energy, strength and not pulling a muscle in the process.
So yes, I exercise, and dance, and walk, and climb stairs (and the occasional ladder) so that when a bit of extra effort is required, I can rise to the occasion rather than collapsing in a heap LOL
Fitness is indeed, utterly individual.
Thank you, oh wise one, for the reminder that I don’t have to look like Charles Atlas to be able to get through my day.
Bliss and blessings,
Jacqueline Gates recently posted..Becoming a Secret Rebel in a Drone World
Hi Jacqui,
It isn’t about running for miles for me either… but I do know that if I want to progress throughg the years and have the energy, strength and balance and coordination to not pull a muscle or at least have it last way less long in terms of recovery, I am all for doing some weights… I don’t have to be a huge body builder, and personally I don’t even like the looks of those sweaty bulging muscle people… Nice tone, strong bodies, firmness is great! I know it isn’t all about the looks, so the feel good part about being able to do what you want and feeling good in the body you have is going to make those years coming up, much more effortless! So utterly individual, no looking like Charles Atlas just steady progress toward a strong, healthy, lean body.
Aloha Holly,
I agree with Jacqui too! I like that definition of Physical Fitness. I have more energy today than I did when I was younger dieting, exercising according to a gym’s schedule. I was fat, tired, sick, and not happy! Today I have more energy than I did when I was a kid and I like what Tom said about having the confidence to face whatever life has for you. I also believe if you do what you love and you love what you do, everything else will flow into your life!
Thank you for sharing that Holly!
Aloha,
Kellie
Kellie Hosaka recently posted..Are You Stuck In A Rut And Ready To Get Out
HI Kellie,
It is amazing what we can attract when we do what we love. It is also amazing what we can achieve when we are physically fit. It goes hand in hand. Body, mind and spirit. We can’t not do one without the other… our temple (body) should be treated as such! Being Physically Fit forever…. will truly make the ‘aging’ process that much more easier.
Tom’s definition of physical fitness definitely resonates with me. It truly does not have a finish line or an end goal. As you get better, you move on to a more challenging goal for yourself. I take physical fitness with the whole family in tow. I work hard not only to be physically fit but to serve as a good role model to my kids and family. Me and the kids go to LFT almost everyday, my husband at least 2x a week but with a personal trainer so he gets a more intensive workout than me. My hope is that the kids will grow up used to an active lifestyle and will learn that taking care of themselves should be a priority and never an option.
Fitness Family recently posted..My Hot Mom Of The Week- Linda Grace Cox
You are doing what people need to do!. What you are doing is truly changing the future of our people. If we can instill in our kids the importance of physical fitness we have done wonders for our children, not to mention ourselves.. Thanks for commenting Cherrie
Tom’s statement resonates with me, too, Holly. “Physical fitness is not a race, it’s a pursuit. There is no finish line to look for, but a new starting line to cross every day.” Living with MS I’ve learned to take it on a day-by-day basis. Every time I finish a work out (even a small one) it’s a victory!
Darlene Davis recently posted..Transitions Revisited
Hi Darlene,
There is no finish line, I agree! I think that we should all consider each workout a victory! I like that idea.. for you it is an even greater victory and I salute you in every way that you keep on doing what you do! Thanks Darlene.
Holly, I have to agree with everyone and also throw my hat in Tom’s ring. As you say, fitness is personal to every individual. For some it’s just about having enough energy to play with the kids and for others it’s about being able to run a marathon. If you have enough fitness to do everything you want in life, you are doing just fine!
Louise
Louise Steiner recently posted..“You Can’t Have It All If You Are Not There” – Paul Blackburn Talkes About “The Money Mindset”
Hi Louise,
Thanks for stopping by. I do believe that fitness is personal. If you have enough fitness to do everything you want in life, I just pray that that person isn’t a couch potato who just wants to veg! I truly believe that we have missed the boat on the importance of fitness in our lives. Our bodies were meant to move. My dream is to have everyone physically active so that as they age, they don’t deteriorate and degenerate the way so many people are nowadays.