As far as the dictionary is concerned, fitness can quite simply be defined in one word, health. The first synonym listed in the thesaurus? Strength. Interestingly enough there is no mention of six pack abs, waist circumference, BMI or an obligatory number on the scale. To be fit is to be healthy and strong.
I have long had my own definition of fitness as well. I believe fitness is your ability to participate at a high level in the activities that you love, for as long as you choose. I believe fitness is the degree to which your life is enhanced by doing what makes you happy. Perhaps it is participating in your favorite outdoor activity or competing in your favorite sport. Maybe it is playing with your kids, grandkids or pets. Whatever it is that puts a smile on your face, you should be able to enjoy it until you decide otherwise.
In my opinion, the road to fitness (and thereby health) begins and ends with strength. The moment you begin to lose your strength is the moment you begin the gradual slide towards an over-embellished bed six feet underground. In order to become and remain strong requires that a person move and movement, my friends, is life. When we stop moving, we start dying. Period. End of story. Turn out the lights, the party's over.
Fitness = Health
Health = Strength
Strength = Movement
Movement = LIFE
There you have it, the meaning of life. Bet you didn't think you'd receive the answer to the most prolific question of all time just by reading this blog about fitness, now did you?! You're welcome. ;)
Seriously though, once you stop moving it's all down hill from there. Never stop learning AND never stop moving. This will significantly increase not only the years of your life, but the life in your years. Keep your body moving and your mind learning and you will live longer and live better.
If you do one thing today, stand up, go outside and take a walk. Get some sun on your face and breath in some fresh air. Even if you only make it around the block I can guarantee you'll feel a little bit better then you did before. If you want to take it to the next level, before you leave, grab a book and half way through your walk, pull up a bench and read for 10-15 minutes.
10-20 minutes out of your day CAN and WILL profoundly effect the quality of your life. Sounds simple, right? It is. Move a little. Learn a little. Live a lot!
Since this is a blog about fitness, and I aim to please, drop and give me 20! There, now you're healthier, smarter AND stronger. Now, you are fit!
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