Concepts of Physical Fitness: The 4 Pillars

Most of the time we think of Physical Fitness in terms of the "vanity checklist". How do I look? How do I look in my favorite jeans? Or, how much do I weigh? For 2010, I want you to move beyond these aspects of physical fitness and develop a more detailed view.

I want you to consider two other key aspects of physical fitness:
1) health-related physical fitness-this includes metabolic fitness, blood pressure, and bone integrity
2) skill-related physical fitness-the ability to work effectively, enjoy leisure time, and even meet emergency based needs

As you consider these aspects, then ask yourself how your current workouts support the bigger picture of physical fitness. I work at several different gyms and am always struck by how many people spend so much time on the "hamster wheels" (treadmills, stair climbers, elliptical machines, etc.) then complain of sore backs, knees, and necks. These machines may offer a good sweat, but at what expense? Do they really contribute to increasing your physical fitness?

Alignment errors contribute to many of the aches and pains people experience on these machines. With tight psoas muscles, pelvis are pulled forward into an anterior pelvic tilt and put strain on the lower back. Others will crank the tension up surpassing their muscles strength and put unnecessary strain on the knee joint. My favorite, however, is people looking up to gaze up at wide screen TVs, distract them from their workouts and the pain they cause in their necks. I see these errors because I too spent hours on the hamster wheel convinced I was getting a good workout. I would look for the calories burnt and feel so proud of myself. But this style of workout was not contributing to my overall physical fitness. It was in fact, contributing to my injuries. There was no one to check my form, alignment or make sure I was creating a balanced workout plan.

Planning is everything! Balance is key. Strength, flexibility, agility and relaxation are the 4 pillars that help build greater physical fitness. I now integrate these concepts into my workouts with kettlebells, yoga, and massage.
More to come on this next week.............