Fit does not always mean healthy

If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have found the safest way to health.

~ Hippocrates

The way I see it, fitness means being physically capable of meeting a challenge beyond what we encounter in daily activity.

Most of us suffer more from sedentary behaviour than from vigorous physical activity. We need to move more and sit less.

Without a doubt, exercise or active daily living, and functional training are highly effective at helping to prevent disease and disability. But, sometimes, less is more.

While there are worse addictions, the “need” for a daily fix of rigorous physical exertion may mean one has become dependent on the adrenaline, endorphins, and other stress chemicals experienced after exercise.

Failure to build in recovery time may lead to exhaustion and, rather than increase resilience, impair function.

As a society, we glorify high achievers and admire the hardcore, stoic athletes (and other elite in their field) who suffer in silence to display greatness.

Seldom do we focus on abusive behaviours in sports and fitness.

Disordered eating (sometimes too much and sometimes too little), the torment experienced to reach the top, and crippling physical and emotional pain do not make headlines.

It makes little sense that longevity experts, coaches, and influencers continue to promote arduous, physically abusive activity while being personally afflicted by recurring chronic pain that requires numbing with addictive drugs or invasive procedures.

Having worked in the fitness industry, I have been fortunate to see bloodwork and medical assessments for some of the elite in that space. Many of the most physically fit and accomplished athletes I encountered had blood markers that suggested they were far from healthy. Several had to get joint replacements before middle age due to the wear and tear of placing excessive physical demands on their body. Elite fitness professionals could not even do the sit-to-stand longevity test.

At first, I attributed dis-ease and dysfunction in the super fit to nutrient depletion, misguided intake of potentially harmful protein powders and supplements, steroid use, and toxic chemicals in electrolyte and energy drinks.

But, even those making more informed decisions in the quality of nutrients and remedies ingested still suffer. I have seen this in a couple of young people recently. A combination of career, family, and intense physical activity stressors affected blood sugar, fat-soluble vitamin absorption, and kidney function.

Hence, this blog.

We fail to document the torment accomplished athletes and fitness competitors endure to reach the top. As a society, we seldom focus on the physical agony that takes a toll on the bodies of those who become overachievers to feel loved.

Closing thoughts

Unconditional love really exists in each of us. It is part of our deep inner being. It is not so much an active emotion as a state of being.

~ Ram Dass

Treat your body with love and respect. Hard work is required to become a master of one’s domain, and we have to push ourselves beyond what we’re currently capable of, but rest, recovery and good food are essential.

Anyone who “needs” to work out rigorously to function may have become addicted and at risk of physical harm. Giving it all we've got, every day, can deplete function and vitality later in life.