Most people believe that being healthy and fit go hand in hand. Yet, from a medical perspective, these terminology cover two distinct states of physical being.
Fit people can also have underlying chronic health concerns, and vice versa.
What distinguishes health from fitness, then?
Health is “a condition of total physical, mental, and social well-being and not only the absence of disease or disability,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Longevity and a high quality of life are two measures of health.
On the other hand, fitness is described as a collection of qualities people possess or attain that have to do with their capacity to engage in physical activity.
Fitness is defined as any physical activity that stimulates and improves the function of the body’s musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and cardio-respiratory systems. A healthy lifestyle is essential to fitness and includes exercise. It does not, however, represent the only factor influencing an ideal healthy state. A balanced diet and nutrition, sufficient hydration, upholding a physiological sleep cycle, and stress management all contribute to health.
You won’t necessarily be healthy just because you are physically active or just concentrate on your exercise routines. Exercise by itself cannot stop the start of or reverse physiological damage brought on by nutritional deficiencies or the pathologies of chronic diseases that are inherited or have a family history of them.
Similar to how a physically healthy individual may experience health issues brought on by stress.Physical activity: Any physical activity that increases the heart and respiratory rate and boosts your metabolism promotes health and fitness. Such activities include walking in the park or walking a pet, taking the stairs instead of an elevator, cleaning rooms.
Aerobic exercise: Aerobic exercises involve aerobic muscles and oxygen utilization for a sustained period, enhancing cardiovascular and cardio-respiratory function. Running, cycling, brisk walking, and swimming are examples of aerobic exercises. Aerobic exercises also help burn fat as the primary fuel.
Anaerobic exercise: The term “anaerobic” means “no oxygen.” Anaerobic exercises produce short bursts of energy, and they include powerlifting, tennis, and sprinting.
Nutrition: Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is vital to staying healthy and fit simultaneously. Nutritional deficiencies can trigger the onset of various pathological processes that can impact an individual’s fitness. Hence, a balanced diet with carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants is key to sustaining a healthy and fit mind and body, preventing ailments and disability, and improving the overall quality of life.
