The word 'fitness' is a pretty common word. It readily conjures images of physical activity, most of which aptly so . But taking one look at our "size-crazed" culture may give one pause: What is 'fitness', really? Fitness, or the "quality of being suitable", is a term often used synonymously for 'physical fitness' in society (an indication of our preoccupation with physical appearance perhaps?) and is often judged based upon the way one looks.
However, this doesn't truly get to the bottom of what physical fitness is as it relates to health. And fitness as it relates to health and quality of life is what the general notion of human fitness entails. It's the state of being more suitable for life (biologically speaking). In order to approach fitness in a healthy way, one must first ask the question, "what is my goal?" But instead of phrasing it that way, try answering this question instead: "What is it that I am trying to become more 'suitable' for?" If your primary answer is anything about attracting a mate, making yourself look better, beating someone at something, etc., then your goal is not one of health, it is one of fitness as it relates to another arena. Not to demean any of those goals (as they all have their own place), but it is important to realize that progress must be gauged against a goal and a goal must be clearly understood if it is to be achieved.
A goal of achieving a certain measure of health or a specific capability level in a given activity is always the healthiest and most productive way to approach fitness. Remember to design your life around the goal of YOUR achievement and not upon the perceptions of others, and you'll be off to a great start!
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