I suppose it depends on how the word "fitness" feels to you. In your gut, head, heart, spirit, and probably the most important.....how does the word 'FITNESS' feel in your feelings?
Don't fool yourself into believing that your feelings don't count. Sure they do!
Fitness is a state of physical and mental well-being that results from regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and healthy lifestyle choices. It’s not just about building muscle or losing weight—it’s about achieving a level of health that allows you to live life to the fullest. Fitness improves your strength, endurance, flexibility, and mental resilience, empowering you to handle daily tasks, reduce stress, and boost your overall quality of life.
I am certain that each of us has opinions on the paragraph above, don't we? That's the essence of it. Fitness holds various meanings for different individuals, ranging from health enthusiasts to competitors to educators to athletes of every size and shape.
Get ready to dive deep into the wild world of fitness and discover what it truly means to us - spoiler alert: it's going to be a blast!
Since I don't know you, let's start with me. No worries, I'll be brief.
FITNESS STORY
At 5'10" by the eighth grade, I needed to find my people and athletics seemed to fit the bill. I played basketball, volleyball, softball, and ran track. Was I a superstar? Nope! But I did have fun and made some lifelong friends (and healthy habits). Oh....I did set a new school record for the high jump. :-)
Fast forward to an early love for the weight room as I was always quite lean and liked the feminine curves I was building. Fast forward again to several 5Ks, a few half marathons, and entered the world of group fitness.
ZUMBA?!? NOOOOOOOO!!
Despite my prior lack of interest in group fitness classes, I had never experienced one firsthand until I decided to attend a Zumba class one day. Initially skeptical, I found myself enjoying the company of my friend during the first class. Surprisingly, after the second class, I became completely hooked on the dance fitness routine.
I was having so much fun, I became a licensed Zumba instructor. Quickly expanded my skills into Zumba Toning, then added becoming a Pound Pro, and Yoga instructor. I then added Personal Training and sports nutrition to my fitness skills and taught a variety of group fitness classes.
In the midst of all this fun, I started competing in the NPC (National Physique Committee) as first a figure competitor, and grew into a Women's Physique division. I earned my pro card in 2018.
My life experience is quite complex, but for the purpose of talking about fitness, let's leave it at that. I am knowledgeable and at ease with all aspects of fitness.
YOU??!??!!???
Are you passionate about the gym? Do you enjoy running or doing yoga, or do you reside on a farm? What is your preferred method of physical activity? What aspects of moving bring you joy? Have you noticed any advantages of regular physical activity?
Alternatively, do you despise the gym, sweating, and physical activity? Do you have any physical restrictions or chronic health issues?
Hey, these questions are like that one friend who always asks for your opinion but never listens to your answer! They don't really need answers, but let's see if they can at least give our brains a little workout, shall we?
IT'S YOUR FUTURE
Alright folks, the moment of truth has arrived! If we keep lounging around like lazy sloths, our bodies will rebel and make us pay the price. It's like a never-ending race where each new batch of humans is pushing the boundaries of how long they can dodge the inevitable. Because we are living longer, we may want to enjoy that time instead, of being in perpetual pain or other ailments related to aging.
I'm sure we have all had that Great Uncle or Aunt that smoked and drank too much. They were couch potatoes and their diet consisted of every deep fat fried sugar covered chocolate greasy salty food product. And they lived seemingly well into their 90s.
It's great to be so fortunate! Nonetheless, as I aim to live past 100, I prefer to keep enjoying myself. To me, that risk is not worth taking.
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