Fitness is a word that is probably valued and disliked in equal measure. Perhaps because ‘being fit’ has become synonymous with size, weight, and ability to do extreme physical exercises. Either you fit in or you don’t. However, a more accurate way to define fitness is the ability to use quality, efficient effort to do functional daily activities of lifting and moving, with reduced risk of injury. Good nutrition and mental well-being are other components of being fit and healthy.
For too many people, a fitness lifestyle has been reduced to counting and burning
calories consumed, building muscles, doing the newest workout, or following the latest fad diet. This is not an effective approach to sustain for the long-term. An enduring fitness lifestyle should enable us to enjoy a more complete and fuller life. The key to long-term commitment is keeping the mind and body challenged and motivated.
Choose & follow a fitness lifestyle
The first step forward, most commonly, is deciding on your workouts. Unfortunately, here also lies the strongest possibility of getting derailed, even before starting. The quantum of fitness information and advice available on the internet, social media, and from coaches and trainers is mind-boggling.
Get stronger, thinner, faster, sculpted, flexible, and balanced — these are some of the many results promised as we are encouraged, cajoled, body-shamed, and more into signing up for varied fitness programmes. All of it has us believing that fitness is a complicated mix of training systems and techniques. Further, adding to this dilemma of choice are the celebrity-endorsed workouts, the overwhelming onslaught of ‘new’ additions and much more, that we are told we cannot do without. With each trainer or training system promising perfect results, it feels impossible to make any kind of a rational choice. One either signs up, out of complete confusion, or walks away feeling disheartened and demotivated.
The self-help route
In this age of self-help and easily accessible information, everyone sees themselves as an expert or extremely well-informed on all topics, including fitness. They feel encouraged to make their own decisions on workouts and diets to follow. Self-help, based on wanting to nurture and care for oneself, can be a strong motivator. Using one’s understanding of your own body can be a helpful guide, but only when combined with guidance from an experienced professional. Or, it may do more harm than good.
Choosing the
option best for you
Much of the fitness advice and information offered often seems to focus more on showcasing the trainers’ own skills, highlighting their numerous certifications, and impressing one another with their knowledge.
The focus, however, should be on presenting relevant information in a simple, clear manner that enables people to make informed decisions. So, your best option will be an experienced instructor who should be able to customise your programme and teach with simple, clear instructions and corrections. Only a lack of experience and knowledge will lead to excessive, vague or overly detailed, hard to follow instructions.
The principle of simplicity
Most importantly, keep it simple. Your lifestyle does not need to be a complex schedule of diets and exercise that stress rather than positively enhance your life. And remember, if it works for you — stay with it. A healthy and fit lifestyle involves more than adding an exercise routine. Making changes, however small, in your existing habits go a long way towards achieving your goals.
Time-factor: Cull unnecessary tasks and habits to free up time for exercise, outdoor and leisure activities.
Active choices: Taking the stairs or walking to the store, where possible, may not count as fat-burning exercise but helps promote an active body.
Your workout: The simple truth — if you enjoy a particular activity, you’re more likely to stay with it, give it your best efforts and thus see longer-lasting results.
Nutrition: Incorporating good, sustainable nutrition choices is an important foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Your nutrition habits determine not only how you look but they also reflect on your emotional and mental well-being.
A fitness lifestyle for everyone
Fitness should not be the prerogative of a few. It should be easily accessible and enjoyed, by all. A fitness lifestyle is about being more active and energised, physically and mentally, in our daily lives — now and moving forward. Looking good gets to be the bonus!
(The author works in the field of general fitness, sports, rehabilitation and special needs and is a Master Trainer for physiotherapists, sports trainers, dancers, yoga and personal trainers, among others.)