The Surprising Truth About Fitness That No One Discusses
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Chapter 1: The Fitness Industry Paradox
Fitness has become a multi-billion dollar global industry, benefiting from the promise of health and wellness. However, this growth raises a critical question: Are we truly buying solutions, or are we merely indulging in our ailments?
For too long, I've grappled with my own fitness journey, experimenting with various methods to improve. Over time, I've come to realize what truly matters and what is simply noise. Let’s explore this paradox step by step.
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Section 1.1: Avoiding the One-Dimensional Approach
We currently live in an era of unprecedented peace, which grants us the luxury of choosing between fitness and a sedentary lifestyle. While any exercise is undoubtedly better than none, societal conditioning often leads us to favor one form of activity over others.
Many people fall into the trap of becoming "one-trick ponies"—someone who focuses solely on weightlifting or running, neglecting the other essential components of fitness. I was once that person, unable to lift a suitcase despite being a decent runner.
To achieve true fitness, we must embrace strength, conditioning, and mobility as equally important elements. Ignoring any of these can leave you strong but lacking endurance, or fit but without the strength to enjoy life fully. While it’s fine to have a favorite activity, it's crucial to incorporate all aspects of fitness into your routine, starting with one if you’re new to exercise and gradually adding others.
Contrary to popular belief, working on conditioning will not hinder your strength gains, nor will building strength negatively affect your running speed. In fact, these components complement each other; better conditioning enhances recovery and allows for more volume in your workouts, while increased strength improves your running performance.
The first video, "The ONE Thing You're Doing WRONG in Your Fitness Journey," discusses common pitfalls in fitness routines and how to avoid them for better results.
Section 1.2: The Consumerism of Fitness
The rise of consumerism in our society is evident everywhere, including in the fitness industry. With countless fitness programs being marketed under catchy names and hefty price tags, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.
While some programs offer real value, many are poorly designed and merely serve to keep newcomers stuck in ineffective habits. The truth is, the fundamentals of fitness cannot be commodified. If effective methods were widely adopted, there would be no need to search for the next "magic pill."
Returning to the basics—squats, bench presses, deadlifts, pull-ups, push-ups, dips, and lunges—will take you further than any flashy new program. All it takes is a sound exercise selection, consistent effort, and a plan for progression.
Photo by Henry Lai on Unsplash
Chapter 2: The Impact of Diet Culture
The second video, "Webinar The 5 Fitness Myths - What to Believe and What to Ignore | Fitness Tips for Adults 50+," addresses common misconceptions in the fitness world and offers guidance on what truly matters.
What’s perhaps the most damaging aspect of the fitness industry? Diet culture. This phenomenon has contributed to numerous health issues worldwide, from eating disorders to obesity. Many popular diets, such as Keto or Paleo, inherently lack balance and sustainability for the average person.
These diets often promise quick results by eliminating essential nutrients. However, the question remains: are those results worth the toll on your physical and mental health?
From personal experience, having lost over 20 kg (45 lbs) in an unhealthy manner at 17, I can attest to the harmful effects of restrictive diets. When in doubt, opt for a balanced, whole-food-based diet rich in all major macronutrients and micronutrients.
Nutrition doesn't have to be complex or involve calorie counting. It’s about cultivating a healthy relationship with food.
Section 2.1: The Misconception of Difficulty
In a society where social media glorifies hustle culture, working out is often perceived as a grueling task. But does it really have to be that way?
Despite the abundance of fitness information, many people remain inconsistent. Each New Year brings countless gym memberships that dwindle by June. Working out was never meant to be a struggle; it should be a fun and engaging activity.
Historically, exercise didn’t exist in the formal sense until a few centuries ago. When physical culture emerged, it was celebrated as an enjoyable pursuit. Do we really need motivation to engage in something enjoyable?
Brutal workouts do not equate to effective training. Instead, they can be counterproductive and hinder your ability to maintain a consistent routine. Fitness should be about enjoyment and progress, not punishment.
Experimenting with new activities can also enhance your experience. Remember, we are not professional athletes—adopting a playful mindset can foster long-term health and fitness.
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