Fitness/Health Goals

Are you into fitness? That seems to be a loaded question if you think about it. There are actually a great deal of variables to consider when defining a person's fitness goals. Variables like; daily activity level, body type/genetics, medical conditions, age, time management and diet, just to name a few. If we break down some of the variables it makes fitness goals much less daunting.

Daily Activity Level:
There would not be much debate in the conclusion that an office worker is less active than a construction worker, much less the difference between the mail clerk and the resident receptionist. There is a passive calorie burn that accompanies the type of job a person does. There is also the body's amazing ability to adapt to the stresses placed on it, thus making additional strives toward fitness necessary. After all it is common to see overweight people in both work settings.

Body Type and Genetics:
There are three commonly described body types; mesomorph, ectomorph, or endomorph. Most people fall into one of the described categories and must be realistic about their fitness goals.

Medical Conditions:
Obviously, if a person has a medical condition that inhibits strenuous exercise, they should seek out an alternative fitness plan. Always consult a physician before beginning a fitness program.

Age:
Age can play a significant part in achieving a fitness goal. As a person ages, their metabolism tends to slow down. There are also factors such as; muscle deterioration, loss of flexibility, hydration levels, joint pain and a myriad of other ailments. However, with the proper fitness plan a person can live a long, healthy and pain free life.

Time Management:
One of the most common excuses regarding a fitness plan, or lack thereof, is finding the time to exercise. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends 30 minutes of "cardio" three times a week and "strength training" twice a week. That is five days of exercise, a commitment by any standard. However, there are alternatives for those who still cannot find thirty minutes a day which include circuit training, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) and HIT (High Intensity Training).

Diet:
Depending on the resource, diet is between 70-90% of weight management. There are countless diet programs and nutritional guidelines, gimmicks, shakes, supplements, pills and potions. The most responsible thing to do is consult a physician to identify any potential restrictions to a diet regime. For example, a high carbohydrate diet is not healthy for a diabetic.

However, there are resources available stating guidelines for caloric intake regarding fat loss. Keep in mind that drastically limiting calories can reduce muscle mass, thus limiting metabolic burning potential.

A reasonable approach to a healthy diet includes eating whole or clean foods; in other words avoid calorie dense, enriched and processed foods.