It would surely be in the fitness of things to dispel certain misconceptions about fitness.

FITNESS is a buzzword these days….especially among the youth. But quite often….it is understood as ‘having a super-model like stats’!

Fitness….as can be understood in all its simplicity… is the capability to ‘perform the tasks with ease’

If one has to live a healthy ….and disease free life… then fitness would imply:

Capability of living life to the ‘fullest’ within the accepted set of parameters ….and these parameters would be different for different life-styles!

To quote from www.abc-of-fitness.com:

"Physical Fitness" Microsoft Encarta Reference Library 2004:
“the ability of the human body to function with vigor and alertness, without undue fatigue, and with ample energy to engage in leisure activities, and to meet physical stresses.”

Fitness is not about being thin, having a small waist, or having bulging muscles. It is a combination of qualities that enable us to be at our full potential in performing vigorous physical activities. Physical Fitness involves the performance of the heart, lungs, and the muscles of the body.

FITNESS and EXERCISE

Scientific studies have proved beyond doubt that exercise increases fitness….Longevity and …psychological health.

There are many schools of thought on the RIGHT amount of physical exercise/workouts.

Some studies claim that a thirty minutes a week program is adequate. Others state that a 45 minutes program ….at least five days a week is the minimum desirable!

Some say walking is the best exercise….others have a similar notion for swimming….and the world seems to be grossly divided…as far as jogging is concerned….Those who are pro jogging cannot think of anything better….but not far are the jogging baiters…who condemn jogging !

Then there are those who swear by yoga and pranayama (breathing exercises)

So….what do we feel about all this?

Well….our take is something like this:

• Fitness has to be understood in the broader frame-work of quality of life….it should not be confused with a six pack abs figure or a size zero ramp model’s statistics!

• Each according to his need! It is true! Some people can ‘get away’ with a workout of ten minutes a day….while some have to slog in the gym for an hour or two!

• Listen to your body….not to “how to gurus”!!!….Your body….if you sincerely listen….communicates on a very truthful level…..but do not confuse this communication with your devious mind finding lame alibis!

• Research properly….do a detailed fact finding…take expert advice….only then set targets….do not be self-destructive !

• Have a phased out program….and then sustain it for rest of your life! Do not set unrealistic targets ….as the faster you shed weight…..faster you invite the opposite of fitness! Please do not aim at losing more than two pounds a month!( generally speaking)

 To use a cliché:  Last ….but not the least…. Please become fit in a holistic manner…..that is: Physically, mentally as well as spiritually!