11 May The General Theory on Fitness
These days it’s become quite a trend to greet people with comments about their physical appearance. Greetings bundled with compliments like “You’ve lost weight!”, “You look slimmer!”, or the ever-curious “Have you been hitting the gym?!” are quite popular. It seems like everywhere we turn, there’s an abundance of fitness-focused talks, blogs, videos, reels, and gurujis flooding us with tidbits (albeit not always accurate), thus creating an overwhelming obsession with “Fitness”. While there’s no denying that fitness plays a vital role in our overall well-being, it maybe worthwhile to explore the ballyhoo that often accompanies it.
Now, I must admit that I haven’t been immune to the fitness frenzy myself. I’ve embarked on various experiments firsthand. I’ve dabbled in keto, no-carb, no-sugar, high-protein diets. I’ve practiced fasting for a day over a span of few days, and tried out intermittent fasting on and off. I’ve tried my hand at cardio workouts, muscle training, swimming, yoga, meditation — you name it! Recently, I even fixed a chin-up bar at home in the pursuit of developing Adonis torso… for my teenagers. In the midst of all these options, it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement and thrill of looking good. Who doesn’t enjoy catching a glimpse of their chiseled and toned reflection in the mirror, or basking in the admiration of others? It’s like a constant ego boost, pushing us further on the quest for fitness.
But after two decades of trials and errors of a bit of this and a bit of that, I reached a point where I wanted to delve deeper to the core and decode a holistic and workable fitness regime. So here I am, inspired to add yet another ‘guruji’ blog to the vast ocean of fitness wisdom accessible on the internet and in our social chitchats. Allow me to call my piece ‘The General Theory on Fitness’ — giving a cheeky nod to Einstein’s ‘The General Theory of Relativity.’ Because, as we may soon realise, fitness and relativity have so much in common :)!
Let’s face it, “fitness” means different things to different people, and its meaning evolves as we go through different stages of life. What teenagers perceive as fitness may differ from the perspectives of middle-aged folks, and the elderly have their own unique take on it. Men and women often have different ideas about fitness as well. Culturally too, the understanding of fitness varies. The more I read, discussed and experimented on fitness, the clearer it became to me that a one-size-fits-all definition of “fitness” just won’t cut it.
That’s precisely the challenge that excites me — the pursuit of the seemingly unattainable one definition – ‘a general theory’ that could be all encompassing! To be able to create ‘The General Theory on Fitness’ that transcends age, culture, gender, and all existing paradigms, will be a pursuit worth the effort. Some of us may believe that a “Special Theory on Fitness” catering to specific age groups or genders or culture would be more relevant, but no, no, my friend, let’s focus on the “general” rather than the “special”. After all, what works for everyone is any day better than some ‘special’ plan with customisations for specific groups or individuals or needs, typically having T&C’s which would not survive beyond a few months at best. For example, take keto, or no-sugar, no-carb diet plans. Can anyone live constantly by these diets? Even if a few could, they tend to miss out the basic pleasures of dine and wine of life.
Now, before we dive deeper into ‘The General Theory on Fitness,’ it would be beneficial to pause for a moment and reflect on your personal beliefs about fitness. Your perspective is crucial as we embark on this journey together. So, go ahead and jot down a quick note, approximately 100 words or so, about what fitness means to you. Let’s move further once you’ve collated your definition.
When done, let’s get down to exploring “The General Theory on Fitness” :)!
The General Theory on Fitness
Fitness is a complex and multidimensional concept that encompasses various aspects of our well-being. In order to approach it holistically, we should break it down into three important components: Physical Fitness, Physiological Fitness, and Psychological Fitness. Each of these components play a significant role in our overall fitness, and each requires attention and nurturing. These three together create our comprehensive fitness. So, let’s take a closer look at each one.
Physical Fitness
First up, we have Physical Fitness. This component refers to the state of fitness that exists in our physicality, in our bodies as seen and perceived by ourselves and others. It’s the aspect of fitness that can be observed through our senses. Physical Fitness encompasses factors such as body appearance, body proportion, body mass index (BMI), posture, gait, skin and hair condition, and more. Basically, it’s all about how we look on the outside. Of course, our physical fitness is greatly influenced by our exercise preferences and routines, and by the quantity, type, and timing of the food we consume. And hey, let’s not forget that physical fitness can also be accentuated by our grooming and dressing. After all, looking good with styling and tasteful grooming can become an integral part that elevates our physicality!
In summary, physical fitness is a function of the exercises we do and the food we consume. I would say it is in the 30 – 70 ratio. Therefore what we eat may be more relevant than the exercising that is often touted as the main component for physical fitness. So, a focus on what we eat may do more wonders for our physical fitness than those long hours in the gym.
Physiological Fitness
Next, we delve into Physiological Fitness. This component focuses on the fitness of the internal units and organs that make up our marvelous bodies. We’re talking about the optimal functioning of all those components inside us—our heart, kidneys, liver, brain, skeletal system, circulatory system, digestive system, immune system, nervous system, and the list goes on. Basically, it’s about keeping everything on the inside working smoothly and efficiently. Our habits, lifestyle choices (e.g. wake up and sleep time), rest breaks, mental activities (e.g. readings, discussions, deliberations, debates, etc), and more… all have an impact on our physiological fitness. So, to enhance this aspect of fitness, practices like yoga, pranayama (breath control and breathing techniques), leisurely walks, gentle stretching exercises, regular readings, and puzzle solving can work wonders. These activities help maintain the health and efficiency of our internal systems. Of course, if you want to dig deeper and assess your physiological fitness, you can always go for various pathological tests or consult healthcare professionals.
In summary, physiological fitness is a function of breath control, stretching routines, intellectual stimulus, and resting our body. I would say the 25-25-25-25 ratio among the four options is a good time investment for physiological fitness.
Psychological Fitness
Last but definitely not least, we have Psychological Fitness. This component delves into the fitness that resides in our minds, in our thoughts, in our words, and in our relationships with ourselves, with others, and with nature. It’s the aspect of fitness that can’t be seen, but boy, can it be felt!
Psychological Fitness encompasses the energy surrounding us, free from form or mass. It’s like an invisible wave that we absorb, process, and also emit. Our attitudes, positivity, behaviour, thought-clarity, speech — they all contribute to our psychological fitness. Developing and maintaining psychological fitness requires continuous learning, meditation, a softness in speech (choosing the right words, pitch, tone and volume), a simple way of living, practicing humility, and avoidance of groups or individuals who have temperamental or aggressive tendencies.
In summary, physiological fitness is a function of mind and action control towards maintaining peace and harmony in our every interaction with ourselves and with others. This is easier said than done when we are pursuing our purpose, or when we are in pursuit of our ambitions. While at it, we often engage with stress and confrontational elements. I would say that we should start training our mind, and take control of our thoughts and actions for psychological well-being. We are sources of energy and the choice to take in, process and emit positive energy can be, perhaps should be, in our control.
Overall, Fitness comprises these three distinct but interconnected components: Physical Fitness, Physiological Fitness, and Psychological Fitness. While society often places excessive emphasis on physical fitness, it’s important to consciously recognise the unavoidable and abundant significance of physiological and psychological fitness as well. As we age, our focus naturally shifts toward physiological fitness if we haven’t already been conscious of it during our youth and young adulthood. Psychological fitness is largely influenced by external stimuli arising out of our life experiences, environment, family, social network, work, beliefs and faith. Unless we proactively take charge and manage the external stimuli, it may be compromising our psychological well-being and fitness.
I prefer to prioritise the management of psychological and physiological fitness over physical fitness. It’s not uncommon to come across individuals who possess excellent physical fitness but have areas to address in terms of their psychological and physiological well-being. Similarly, some individuals prioritise psychological well-being at the expense of neglecting their physical fitness. By acknowledging the individual significance of physical, physiological, and psychological fitness, we can embark on an enriching journey of self-discovery and self-improvement. The key is to recognise that fitness isn’t a choice between these three components; but it’s about finding a harmonious balance among them.
Fitness is a lifelong ongoing pursuit, and it’s not solely about achieving a particular physical appearance or performance goal. It goes beyond that. It’s about nurturing our bodies, optimising our physiological functions, fostering a positive mindset, and cultivating meaningful connections with ourselves and those around us. It’s not about conforming to societal expectations or succumbing to external pressures. Instead, it’s about listening to our bodies, understanding our needs, and striving for a well-rounded approach that encompasses physicality, physiology, and psychology. It’s about embracing our strengths and weaknesses, undergoing transformations, celebrating our uniqueness, and finding joy in the journey towards being fit.
It’s worth noting that the definition and prioritisation of fitness may differ from person to person. Each individual’s unique circumstances, preferences, and goals shape their understanding of what constitutes a healthy and fit lifestyle for them at that phase of their lives. But amidst all the fitness trends and conversations, it’s crucial to find our own path and define fitness on our own terms.
Fitness isn’t just about hitting the gym or following the latest fads and looking good. It’s a holistic concept that requires us to prioritise our overall well-being. It’s about finding balance, embracing flexibility with our age-culture-gender, and adapting to the ever-changing dynamics of our lives.
So… what does ‘fitness’ mean to you? Which daily practices do you engage in to nurture your physical, physiological, and psychological well-being? I’d love to hear from you! We can learn so much from each other and gain valuable insights to further “The General Theory on Fitness”. Together, we can unlock the true potential of our unique fitness.
P.S.: If you liked this post, then you may consider reading The General Theory on Finance, Elements of a fulfilling life: A Vedic Insight , and “Give Well To Live Well” also
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