What is Fitness and Why Should We Care?
Everybody wants it, with the ultimate promise of good health, longevity, freedom from disease and energy to burn. But do we know exactly what fitness is? Is it the ability to run long distances, lift heavy objects or sprint 100 metres? HL solves the mystery once and for all, revealing what it means to be truly fit and why it’s so important. We also suggest some activities to help you become a totally fit person.
By Earl Salzman
There are several components to real fitness. Let’s examine them to see which activities match up with each aspect.There are several components to real fitness. Let’s examine them to see which activities match up with each aspect.
Endurance
The ability to do an activity over a sustained period of time. Sports such as running, cycling and swimming enhance staying power and strengthen the heart.
Speed and Power
The ability to perform an activity in a minimal amount of time with a maximum amount of force. Basketball, soccer, baseball, football, sprinting, and weightlifting require a great deal of explosive movement.
Strength
The ability of muscles to apply steady force. Weightlifting is the best way to prepare you to lift heavy objects more easily. It increases your metabolism and leads to fat loss.
Agility, Co-ordination, and Balance
The ability to link several movements and hold any movement for a period of time. Yoga, calisthenics, dance, martial arts and climbing involve harmonizing movements and maintaining stability.
Flexibility
The ability to move through a full range of motion. Yoga, pilates and stretching programs generate more elasticity in your muscles and greater ease of movement.
Why We Should Strive To Be Fit
Nearly every measure of health improves when we are fit. For example, a high blood pressure reading is 140/90. An athlete’s blood pressure is typically 105/55, even better than normal. Body fat is life-threatening at 40%. In a fit person, it is around 10%, again exceeding normal standards.
When fitness levels are increased, similar improvements occur in measurements for ‘good’ cholesterol, muscle mass, bone density, triglycerides, and many other markers that define our health!
And let’s not forget mental health and self-esteem. Anyone who has embarked on a fitness program knows how their sense of wellbeing has skyrocketed.
If You Don’t Believe Me . . .
. . . Here are some comments from a wide range of people training with me, on how achieving better fitness has transformed their lives:
“I have seen significant positive changes in my physical abilities, mental attitude and health. I now ride my bike regularly with accompanying cardio benefits. I have reduced my weight and increased my muscle mass, both very pleasing results.”
– Charles Richards, recently retired
“I have developed the confidence to adapt to new challenges in dance. I am mentally stronger throughout grueling competitions. My co-ordination and core strength have improved, which allows me to turn and execute combinations more fluidly.”
– Samantha Binder, competitive dancer
“I am so happy to actually see muscles. I love receiving compliments about my new shape. I suffer from a chronic pain condition and I always feel better after a workout.”
– Evie Binder, Samantha’s mom
“I have dropped two pant sizes and my energy level is higher than it has ever been.”
– Gregory Glenn, business executive
“My weight training allows me to win battles in the corners, and my work with the agility ladder has improved my ability to change direction with speed and to stay balanced. Because of this, I am more creative when I have the puck.”
– Kevin Schmidt, professional hockey player
You now know everything you need to know about the various components of fitness, and how good health and fitness are intertwined. The only thing left to make it all work is to develop the most important element of all - your willpower! Be honest with yourself. If you need help, ask for it from supportive friends and professionals. You’ll soon be on your way to taking your physical and mental wellbeing to unprecedented heights!
Earl Salzman is a Markham-based Certified Personal Trainer and educator, providing one-on-one and group training to private and corporate clients. Contact: 416-5297173 or muscleandmusic@rogers.com
If You Don’t Believe Me . . .
. . . Here are some comments from a wide range of people training with me, on how achieving better fitness has transformed their lives:
“I have seen significant positive changes in my physical abilities, mental attitude and health. I now ride my bike regularly with accompanying cardio benefits. I have reduced my weight and increased my muscle mass, both very pleasing results.”
– Charles Richards, recently retired
“I have developed the confidence to adapt to new challenges in dance. I am mentally stronger throughout grueling competitions. My co-ordination and core strength have improved, which allows me to turn and execute combinations more fluidly.”
– Samantha Binder, competitive dancer
“I am so happy to actually see muscles. I love receiving compliments about my new shape. I suffer from a chronic pain condition and I always feel better after a workout.”
– Evie Binder, Samantha’s mom
“I have dropped two pant sizes and my energy level is higher than it has ever been.”
– Gregory Glenn, business executive
“My weight training allows me to win battles in the corners, and my work with the agility ladder has improved my ability to change direction with speed and to stay balanced. Because of this, I am more creative when I have the puck.”
– Kevin Schmidt, professional hockey player
You now know everything you need to know about the various components of fitness, and how good health and fitness are intertwined. The only thing left to make it all work is to develop the most important element of all - your willpower! Be honest with yourself. If you need help, ask for it from supportive friends and professionals. You’ll soon be on your way to taking your physical and mental wellbeing to unprecedented heights!
Earl Salzman is a Markham-based Certified Personal Trainer and educator, providing one-on-one and group training to private and corporate clients. Contact: 416-5297173 or muscleandmusic@rogers.com
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
