Exploring
the Physical Aspect of Fitness
by: John Perry Physical
fitness; I am sure this term means different things to different people. It conjers
up memories of junior high gym class and specific tests or drills we did to determine
our fitness level. Many
years later, I am still amazed at how many different ways fitness is measured.
To some, it is the ability to run long distances. For others, it is the ability
to do “x” amount of one task and finish an obstacle course under a certain
time. For
most it is simply the way you look. This, combined with good muscle tone and perhaps
even the way you carry yourself, represent good fit qualities. For
me, physical fitness represents one of the three aspects of fitness. I think it
involves efficient movement patterns to allow the body to be successful. I feel
it should be measured individually, yet have a common basis for measurement. Every
individual needs to compare themselves to themselves; measure their achievements
to their past experiences. Now, I think it is great to learn from successful people
around us and try to achieve results similar to other trailblazers in a particular
area of interest. However,
“you vs. you” ought to be the motto. I
feel we, as a society, spend too much time comparing ourselves and our successes
to someone else. Whether it is the money they make, the house they live in, the
car they drive, the amount of happiness in their life or how fit or in shape they
are. More
time ought to be spent doing things that feed on our individual passions and seeing
in what direction that leads us. Worrying about another’s achievements or
aspirations could lead us in directions we were never meant to go and therefore
could stifle potential success and happiness. What
are you excited about? How do you want to look and feel? How do you measure success?
Fitness? Once
you figure this out you will have your measuring stick. What
is the basis for fitness? This needs to be an exercise program that allows you
to be successful - mentally, physically and financially. Programs
that improve your energy levels, muscle and joint strength, balance and overall
flexibility are a must. This will allow you to move better, be more productive
and prevent potential injuries and orthopedic problems. Early
in our development, we move properly; the body and brain communicate well and
questions concerning orthopedic problems or fitness levels are, for the most part,
a non-issue. As
we “mature,” we begin to develop poor movement habits, postures and
compensations due to communication changes between body and brain. This is usually
the result of daily work duties, hobbies, eating habits and bad advice or other
learned information. Many
exercise programs just enhance these bad habits and lead to sub-par and unwanted
levels of fitness. Many begin to blame old age, lack of time and genetics as the
culprits. In
reality, it is ignorance… that’s right, ignorance. Before
you email me and call me bad names, ignorance is simply a lack of knowledge. The
biggest problem I see with clients’ physical fitness level is their lack
of knowledge. People
just need to be reminded of how to move properly again, like when we were younger.
I would like to “tweak” the Beach Boy’s hit song and say “wouldn’t
it be nice if we were younger- then we would move so much better.” This would
mostly be because we would be moving efficiently, not just because our body is
“newer and fresher.” Re-setting
the nervous system is done by moving in three planes of motion, (i.e. multiple
directions), and working groups of muscles (muscle synergies) vs. isolated muscles.
It is also important to work on balance, (one leg, reaching with arms or legs
outside of balance comfort zone and exercising on different surfaces) as well
as working through your available muscle and joint range of motion. Full-body,
multi-plane exercise routines will stimulate the brain for improved movement patterns,
posture and injury prevention. I
cannot finish this article without mentioning the benefit of weight loss with
this type of routine. Increasing energy and metabolism (due to nervous system
stimulation and improved muscle mass and strength) will aid the weight loss enhancement.
Proper
fueling or nutrition will, of course, help with weight loss and ideal weight maintenance.
This is best achieved with portion control (portions size of fist per item) and
protein to carbohydrate ratios (2.5 grams of carbs for every gram of protein).
Keep
sweets, fats and oils to a minimum. Your
body will operate in proportion to how you train it and how you feed it; therefore,
why not teach it to look, feel and perform how you want it to… take control
of your physical fitness. “The
people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances
they want, and if they can't find them, make them.” -George Bernard Shaw
Copyright
2006 John Perry About
The Author
John
B. Perry, P.T., C.S.C.S. is a fitness and biomechanics enhancement expert. He
has a fitness newsletter website, writes e-books and articles, produces fitness
videos and performs seminars and teleseminars on Health, Wealth and Fitness.
Want
to lose your big fat internet butt? Get all the tips for energy, productivity
and weight loss enhancement at http://www.hiptobefit.com.
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