How fit is fit-enough? Is it enough to be merely physically fit, or should all of us strive to be Superhuman? Physical fitness is a body in a state of balance in terms of strength (muscle tone and bone density), cardiovascular endurance and flexibility. Super human is a tongue in cheek reference to a state of fitness suitable for elite athletes, stunt professionals and members of military special operations units. The population who has achieved this state far exceeds the number of individuals whose occupations actually require it. But Super Humanity is hot right now. Just glance at the nearest newsstand.
Lets look at the relative benefits. Fitness and nutrition promote life long health and can help prevent some, but not all illnesses. Freakish strength, endurance and agility, facilitated by arduous, time consuming exercise and nutritional supplements does the same, but no better. It can actually create unnecessary stress on body systems. Some people are ill advised to pursue this kind of activity and achieve such a physical state, but these individuals are rarely seeking such advice. They’re distracted by a global culture that idolizes muscled, perfectly sculpted bodies and brute strength and tempted by an industry all too eager to profit from this culture by selling nutritional supplements, “extreme” fitness programs in the form of DVDs or gym memberships, personal trainers, and even mobile phone apps.
There is of course a huge middle ground, people who start off getting themselves in shape for the best reasons, then become fitness enthusiasts, such as distance runners, cyclists, triathletes and recreational weight lifters. These people are more fit than their health or their vocations require them to be, but aren’t doing any serious harm to their health, unless some undiagnosed condition exists that contraindicates this kind of activity.
How do you know when you’ve crossed that threshold between fitness enthusiast and Superhuman? That happens when you begin doing things that compromise your health or your lifestyle to achieve your escalating fitness goals. You are overworking your body, stressing your joints and bones, taking unhealthy supplements or all of the above. You are also spending too much time away from family and/or work involved in an activity that delivers diminishing returns. Unless your occupation demands that level of fitness, you are out of balance.
Pay close attention to the signals your body is sending you, such aches, pains and fatigue. Take a moment to reflect on your original goals when you set out to become fit. If you’ve met them, that’s great. If you’ve exceeded them only to set new ones and exceed those, then continue to repeat this escalating cycle, you are overdoing it. Stay in touch with your physician and let him or her know the nature and intensity of the fitness activities you’re engaged in. Also let them know about your diet and any supplements you take. Your doctor can tell you, based on your health state and your age what level of activity will improve or maintain your health and what level would compromise your health.
Physical fitness is best pursued as a path towards wellness. Pay less attention to how you look and more attention to how you feel.
Our blog goal at 4D Healthware is to have thoughtful conversations to educate and empower you to become actively and effectively engaged in your healthcare.
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