The Flaws in Our Approach to Fitness

If society prioritized our health from childhood to old age, the fitness industry as we know it would likely diminish. Unfortunately, many adults are only now trying to reclaim their health, when the focus should have been on maintaining it from an early age. Fitness is just as vital as hygiene.

The industry has conditioned individuals to perceive fitness as an obligation rather than a fundamental need. Nobody asks, "Do I really need to shower today? I showered yesterday!" From a young age, we learn the importance of daily hygiene; the same principle should apply to fitness.

Our physical existence shapes our entire lives, making it essential to keep our bodies in good shape. Society’s attitude towards fitness resembles someone who neglects dental care for months, only to rush to brush and floss excessively when pain arises. Once the discomfort subsides, they revert to neglecting their teeth. This unnecessary cycle is harmful in the long run.

My Personal Journey

I can relate to this struggle, having experienced this cycle multiple times since my teenage years. However, this year marked a shift in my approach. I began prioritizing my mindset over my physical state, which led to a realization about the futility of extreme diets and intense exercise followed by a return to unhealthy habits.

I lost weight unsustainably only to regain it due to poor choices. I oscillated between extremes—neglecting my dental hygiene for months, then obsessively brushing multiple times a day. This erratic behavior mirrors the fitness industry's expectations.

A Call to Change

The fitness industry thrives on promoting drastic transformations, fully aware that most cannot sustain such changes long-term. After completing a 30-day program and achieving your ideal body, the cycle of unhealthy habits resumes, and the industry eagerly awaits your return next year with a new plan to sell.

Many individuals react to this pattern by abandoning fitness altogether, mistakenly believing their only options are to be either underweight or overweight. We must recognize that maintaining a healthy weight is achievable and not as restrictive as we are led to believe.

For instance, at my height of 174cm, my healthy weight range spans nearly 20kg! If we focused on health from childhood through adulthood, we could potentially render the fitness industry obsolete.

The Importance of Daily Fitness

I will delve into effective exercises and healthy eating habits in future posts, but today’s key takeaway is that fitness should be regarded with the same importance as hygiene.

1. Daily Commitment: Fitness is not about working out four times a week—this is a notion perpetuated by the fitness industry. It’s also not confined to gym memberships or quick fixes for summer. Fitness is more enjoyable and sustainable when approached daily.
2. Simplicity and Sustainability: Imagine if you had to create your toothpaste from scratch every day or trek a mountain just to shower. Very few would maintain that routine. However, due to the convenience of hygiene, most people manage to stay clean daily. The same principle applies to fitness. Choose movements that are simple and replicable over the long haul.

A Shift in Mindset

I once used the phrase "fell off the wagon," but I’ve realized that if you don’t even get on the wagon, there’s no fall. Instead, I’ve chosen to walk at my own pace. I’m committed to staying active, regardless of the season or my age. This is not a fleeting trend; it's a lifelong journey.

If you're ready for this mindset shift, I challenge you to use any online BMI calculator to determine your healthy weight range. This exercise can help you understand that a healthy weight isn't as limiting as the fitness industry claims, nor are you striving for an ideal body type.

While BMI has its drawbacks, it can serve as a useful starting point. If you appreciate my insights, consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter for exclusive updates on my writing journey. See you in your inbox!