A common misconception is that: Fitness = Health. This is simply not true! People can be fit, but still not be healthy. There are tons of good examples of this, not only in sports (as high as the professional levels), but also pasted all over social media. People equate a fit looking body with total health. It’s NOT! However, being fit is a component of good health. So the equation should read: Fitness = A Component of Good Overall Health!
I have rehabilitated plenty of “fit people” in my career. Guess what we didn’t focus on too much? Their fitness! Why? They were already fit! However, they were not healthy. So, their rehab programs became lifestyle rehab programs. I had to get them to see that their good level of fitness could not ‘make up’ for what was lacking in the rest of their health regimen (and for some, they didn’t really even have a health regimen, just a fitness regimen).
That being said, I have also had to get some so-called ‘healthy people’ on better fitness regimens. Why? They didn’t have one! They thought the rest of their healthy lifestyle would make up for it. Nope! It doesn’t work this way either!
I invite you to take a look at your own personal fitness regimen. Do you have one? If not, why not? How about your own overall health regimen? Do you pay attention to the rest of the health equation, or do you tend to use fitness as your ‘Holy Grail’? The good news is that if you are not happy with your answers, you can always consciously choose to change your actions and behaviors to bring about a healthier you!