What is fitness?

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably asked yourself this question, or something like it many times over your lifetime.

Am I fit? How do I get fitter? Am I fitter than that guy? How fit do I need to be to do x or y…?

It’s no surprise. Our general level of fitness is something many of us think about.

A couple of days ago a client asked me the very same question – how they should define ‘fitness’.

Having made some tremendous strides forward over the last few months with both their fitness and nutrition, the client in question naturally wanted to put some substance to their future goals.

A quick google search provides us with this:

Physical fitness is a state of health and well-being and, more specifically, the ability to perform aspects of sports, occupations and daily activities. Physical fitness is generally achieved through proper nutrition, moderate-vigorous physical exercise, and sufficient rest. Wikipedia

What does that mean for me?

How does the above description apply to my client?

We can look at cardiovascular output, we can look at raw strength, endurance and many other performance-based markers to help determine our level of fitness.

The problem with this is they are performance-focused, not real life. The vast majority of us aren’t pro-athletes, and in turn, our training should reflect this.  

If we were to apply a max baby hold carry for time, a gardening workout or to test the total load lifted during a shift at the factory or meatworks, we might be a little closer to the true reflection of fitness for many normal, recreational exercisers.

Redefining fitness

For us, the truest test of your fitness is if your ability to respond to normal events in life.

For instance, if a friend called you up tomorrow and said, hey we’re going to do the Otago Rail Trail, do you want to come?

You’d be able to say heck yes in full confidence that your general level of fitness was sufficient to complete the Trail without fear of embarrassment or failure. 

It should be no different if it’s taking the kids/grandkids to the park, tramping the Kepler Track or going for a summer sea swim.

What you do in the gym should always be to the benefit, not the detriment, of your life outside the gym.

Your general physical fitness should allow you to enjoy life.

Our definition of fitness for the average person is defined as the ability to Move Better, Live Longer and Be Happier.

If that sounds like you, hit this link to schedule a time to us about your fitness today