What do you think about when you hear the word ‘fitness’? Many people think about celebrities, stars, and models with firm, toned bodies. Many fitness experts, however, talk about weight loss and fat loss as primary fitness objectives. Magazine headlines and infomercials inundate us with come-on’s like: “Melt inches in 14 days”, “Blast Body Fat”, and “Banish your Belly Bulge”. This promotes a quick-fix, cookie cutter approach to fitness. We try it and become overwhelmed and exhausted. This, in addition to the aches and pains, can lead to future weight gain and lower self-esteem. We find ourselves caught in the yo-yo syndrome associated with fad diets and fitness programs.
Read more about debunked fitness myths
Unfortunately, this approach also causes us to view fitness the same way we view paying our bills; something to ‘get over and done with’ so we can go back to our regular lifestyle. Fitness becomes something we have to do instead of something we want to do. The ‘quick-fix’ approach to fitness is frustrating at best, and at worst, well – it could be deadly.
Quick-Fix Approach vs. Holistic Approach
Fitness takes on a whole new meaning, however, when viewed in a holistic manner. Holistic fitness connects your mind to individual parts of your body through conscious movement patterns that energize you, repair and strengthen your body, and help you take control of your life. It recharges your ‘inner battery’ through conscious communication between your mind, body, and spirit, and promotes mastery of your inner self.
When you understand fitness in this context – total integration of mind, body, and spirit – it takes on a whole new meaning. Fitness becomes a way-of-life instead of something you have to do. You create the energy and mindset to eat well, exercise, deal with stress, and get things done. Lasting, sustainable habits replace the yo-yo syndrome. When this happens, you achieve total well being.
The Side Effects of Fitness
Weight loss and a firm, toned body are a part of fitness, but they are not the primary objectives. Instead, they are side effects of a proper holistic fitness routine. The quest for total fitness creates a beneficial domino-effect of increased health, mental clarity, spiritual awareness, and improved self-esteem. You become completely happy with the person staring back in the mirror.
Read more about how to be positive
Holistic fitness isn’t something you do, it’s a beneficial way-of-life that helps you look better, feel better, and live better than you ever imagined possible. It’s your key to enjoying vibrant health and finding your passion!
Image: Kevin Dinkel
