Essential Factors Affecting Fitness
Originally published June 17, 2006
This past weekend, my husband and I had a few afternoon hours together so we decided on a late lunch at one of my favorite fine food restaurants. As we were enjoying the most amazing stuffed chicken with chevre and roasted red peppers and a sweet potato and capers salad, I couldn't help notice the amazingly fit female server. She looked in her early 40's, but after talking with her, I realized she could be in her early 50's. I asked her “Are you a runner or a weight lifter or both? You look amazing.”
She not only looked fit, but healthy - amazing skin tone and colour, sparkling eye and a killer body. I was blown away by her response. “You are probably too young to remember, but I would tape The 20 Minute Workout from the 80's and I do that every morning.”
I remember The 20 Minute Workout and used to do them myself as a teenager. They were tough workouts, but we all know that as we age, we have to demand a bit more of ourselves to keep the tummy tight and the muscles sculpted.
My next obvious comment was, “You must eat very well.” She answered an assertive yes. Having once run a cooking school where nutrition classes were a component, she knows how to prepare healthy, good tasting food. She eats three square meals a day consisting of low fat, high fiber foods and plenty of fruits and vegetables. It was also apparent that she was a happy person who enjoyed life and seemed stress-free.
I concluded that she has a good relationship with her family, admittedly getting activity through regularly chasing her grandchildren around. One thing that she didn't list as a secret to her success, but was apparent to me, was great genetics.
Meeting her reminded me of two important lessons relating to fitness. First, there are four essential factors affecting fitness: genetics, lifestyle, diet and exercise. Second, genetics is one of the most important factors that is not often discussed or considered. I could take 10 people who would want to look like this woman and prescribe them The 20 Minute workout daily and a similar meal plan but all the side leg raises in the world would not give them her slender thighs. Don't give up on your goals because you believe you're genetically doomed.
Be aware of your body type, strengths and weaknesses and have realistic expectations about your goals and how you are going to attain them. Evaluate whether your lifestyle, food choices and activity level match your goals and strive to become your personal best.
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Krista Schaus PICP CPT
Ontario CANADA
krista@definingedge.ca
Kate Kline PICP CFT
Arizona USA
kate@definingedge.ca
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