The Foundations for Making Fitness a Lasting Part of Living

The world we are living in is stressful, hectic, and fast-paced. The demands of work, family, and even recreation can take our time and their toll on us; in order to keep up and experience the kind of life that we all envision, we know that we must prioritize our own health and fitness.

Why is keeping fit so important?

There are several benefits that come with being physically fit. Being in good physical condition:

• Helps you to control your weight

• Helps reduce the risk of developing a chronic condition

• Boosts your mood

• Improves your energy levels

• Promotes healthier sleep

• Improves your sex life

• Improves your quality of life

That being said, there are some foundations of fitness that need to be in place in order for you to truly reach your physical potential. Put these foundations of fitness in your life, and you’ll experience health and vitality like never before. Start building your healthiest self today!

Building Block #1: Proper nutrition

You cannot out-train your fork; truer words have never been said. You can sweat long hours in the gym, working on your biceps, quads, and buttocks, but if you cozy up on the couch with a cheeseburger and fries each night, you are not likely to see much progress.

One of the key elements of building a solid fitness foundation is proper nutrition. Eating well will not only give you the fuel to fire up during your workouts, but it also provides essential vitamins, minerals, and other building blocks that your body can use to rebuild and repair muscle tissue. You wouldn’t put sludge in your car’s gas tank, would you? Your body carries you through life; it is essential to fuel it with healthy, nourishing foods.

Building Block #2: Freedom from unhealthy addictions

As you pursue your goal of ultimate health and lasting fitness, it is important to take an inventory of your habits and eliminate those unhealthy activities and substances from your life that threaten to rob you of your health. Addiction to any substance or activity is just as much of a mental battle as it is a physical one; mental health professionals like those at Mission Harbor and similar facilities can assist you in finding resources and programs that can help you eliminate these toxic influences from your life. Eliminating bad habits, substance abuse, and addiction will pave the way for you to develop healthier, lifelong habits that work toward health.

Building Block #3: Movement and flexibility

In order for muscles and bones to be strong and healthy, it is important to exercise them. Engaging in movement and flexibility activities several times per week is an excellent way to work all systems of your body. Choose varied activities that you enjoy doing, and challenge yourself to overcome fitness hurdles and to achieve goals that may surprise you; the more you incorporate fitness into your daily routine, the healthier and happier you will be.

Building Block #4: Adequate Sleep

Workouts will not be optimized for success if you are sleep deprived. In fact, the consequences of chronic sleep deprivation can be quite devastating if they are allowed to persist. Some of the dangers of inadequate sleep include:

• Slow thinking and impaired judgment

• Development of mental disorders

• Anxiety and depression

• Increased risk for developing conditions like heart disease and diabetes

• Increased risk for accidents both at home and at work

Establishing healthy sleep patterns will be critical in your efforts to build a healthful, lasting fitness regime. Aim for 6-8 hours of quality sleep a night, and you’ll be on your way to fueling your body with the energy it needs for physical activity.

Building Block #5: Adequate Hydration

Most of us are walking around in a state of chronic dehydration. The average human body is comprised of anywhere from 60-80 percent water; when we are not consuming water regularly, none of the systems of our body can work efficiently. Drinking at least half our body weight in ounces daily ensures that muscles and tissues are lubricated, joints are working fluidly, and all systems are in working order.

Building Block #6: Mental and Emotional Support

Your body is an extension of your mind, and vice versa. Taking care of yourself mentally and emotionally by drawing support from resources and others around you will be of utmost importance as you pursue health and wellness. Incorporating aspects of self-care into your health and fitness routine will ensure that you are caring for yourself in body, mind, and spirit.

If you want to experience a better quality of life, incorporating a fitness routine and prioritizing your own self-development will help facilitate this. Small steps toward creating better and healthier habits will have you set yourself up for future physical fitness success. Here’s to your healthiest and best life!