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Are You Physically Fit?
Physical fitness is a relative capacity. Do you have the physical capacity to accomplish the tasks you are faced with? Sadly, perhaps, we are rarely faced with any truly strenuous tasks that require high physical capacity.
We don’t hunt or gather much anymore, we normally rely on mechanisation to assist in our physical chores, and rarely are we physically taxed in our day-to-day jobs. So, by the strictest definition, we don’t need much fitness to be fit.
Because of a general lack of physical demand, we must establish our own goals for fitness. It is strange, in a way, to design activity out of people’s lives and then send them to a gym, playground or pool to re-integrate activity back into their lives.
We do this because there is still a very important role for physical fitness. The fitter you are, the more capacity you have in reserve, and the easier the activities of daily living become. Increased energy reserve (in terms of fitness, not fatness) will help make you feel better physically and mentally.
Your fitness can only be changed by your behaviour. Do more physical activity and your fitness (your capacity for activity) will improve. Reduce your activity levels and your fitness will decline.
To start on your road to improved fitness, begin by selecting enjoyable activities. If you don’t enjoy the activity you won’t stick with it. If you don’t stick with it, you will not benefit from it.
Start on your road to improved fitness by adding a walk to your daily pattern. A 30-minute walk most days of the week should be your target. Start slowly if need be, by squeezing a ten-minute walk into your day. Give it a go. You will be impressed by the results.
Article by Professor Kerry Mummery
Central Queensland University
