Fitness in the Workplace: Part 1

Part 1: The Definition of Fitness

Hi everyone. This is an interactive article, so be prepared to play along. Okay, raise your hand if you are fit. Now, raise your hand if you are unfit. I noticed that only a few of you responded confidently. Never mind how I noticed, I just did!

Why was it so difficult? Well, being fit means different things to different people. In fact, fitness is not a quantitative value at all, but more of a sliding scale, with superb athleticism on one side, and ill health (or, in the extreme, death) on the other. Individual factors like body fat, heart rate and body mass index can be measured, but until we establish where our personal fitness goals sit along that continuum, the definition of fitness is elusive.

Let’s review three general categories that pertain to fitness goals and Consider where you “fit”!

Those with athleticism as a goal train long and hard most days of the week to support activities like marathons, mountain climbing or being a professional dancer. Any activity that places high demand on the body’s resources for skills and performance is athletic and training methods might include running, functional training, and sport specific drills.

To increase physical fitness you’ll spend an hour 3-4 times weekly performing activities that fatigue the muscles and make you sweat. The goal is to maintain a healthy body composition and achieve optimal functioning and increased health benefits. Activities often include weight training, fitness classes, leisure sports and swimming laps.

Never underestimate the impact of health and wellbeing as a fitness goal. This defines the non-negotiable minimum activity level required to maintain basic health and participate comfortably in daily activities. Yes, non-negotiable; like bathing, and brushing your teeth! Engage in activity for 30 minutes, 3x weekly that is active enough to elevate the heart rate and respiration so that you must breathe though your mouth, and your body feels warm. Active living pursuits include vigorous housework, walking, climbing stairs and leisure activities like pleasure skating or swimming.

So, now that we have defined fitness in terms of goal categories, shall we try again? Where do you see yourself now in terms of immediate and long-term fitness goals? Well, unfortunately, we are out of time; next time we will pinpoint some challenges and obstacles that faced when trying to work fitness goals into busy lives, and some solutions to get us on the right track!

We'll talk soon!