How Active Is Your Life?
Athletes are on a mission to be in elite condition. But physical fitness isn’t achieved just by grinding out long hours at the gym. If you spend one-third of each day working out and the other two-thirds lying around, you won’t be physically fit.
To consistently make athletic gains, you have to make health and fitness more than a program. You must make it your lifestyle. Here’s how. (See also Tech Tools to Make Off-Season Training Easier and More Fun.)
Physical Health
Obesity wasn’t always an epidemic, and heart disease wasn’t always the leading cause of death. Our ancestors thought nothing of physical work. Performing daily tasks like cleaning, grocery shopping, climbing stairs and walking was neither difficult nor excessively stressful on their bodies. And it kept them moving more or less constantly.
Besides performing a strength and conditioning program, stay active by riding your bike, swimming in a pool or playing sports and games. Think back to when you were ten. You would grab a quick bite to eat, then head back outside to play. Adding more physical activity to your daily routine will increase your energy level dramatically. (It can also help you Gain Performance Benefits From Active Rest.)
Mental Health
As you age, so does your memory. Keep your mind sharp by learning new movements, starting new hobbies and addressing new problems to solve. Try brushing your teeth, washing dishes and writing with your less dominant hand. Take a new travel route to work. Shaking things up will prompt your central nervous system to create new neuro pathways and grow new brain cells. (See Train Your Brain.)
Social Health
Interacting and socializing with family and friends reduces stress and takes your mind off the daily grind. Make sure the people you interact are positive and fill you with energy. Stay away from energy suckers and people who bring you down.
Environmental Health
Ask yourself whether the environment you live in is clean, effective, and organized? What about work? Do you keep your work area clean? Is your house clean and organized? Recycle and pick up your trash. Your goal should be to leave a healthy place for the next generation.
Spiritual Health
Strength to overcome obstacles requires believing in yourself and finding other things to believe in and to motivate you. Life is short. Find your purpose and fulfill it to the best of your ability. Give thanks every day and learn to forgive.
Intellectual Health
Learning and creative thinking are life-long processes. Continue to read, write, listen, and problem solve throughout your life. Given the pace of change in today’s world, it’s a challenge to stay up-to-date on the latest news, inventions, health, and business plans. Try to read and learn something new every day.
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How Active Is Your Life?
Athletes are on a mission to be in elite condition. But physical fitness isn’t achieved just by grinding out long hours at the gym. If you spend one-third of each day working out and the other two-thirds lying around, you won’t be physically fit.
To consistently make athletic gains, you have to make health and fitness more than a program. You must make it your lifestyle. Here’s how. (See also Tech Tools to Make Off-Season Training Easier and More Fun.)
Physical Health
Obesity wasn’t always an epidemic, and heart disease wasn’t always the leading cause of death. Our ancestors thought nothing of physical work. Performing daily tasks like cleaning, grocery shopping, climbing stairs and walking was neither difficult nor excessively stressful on their bodies. And it kept them moving more or less constantly.
Besides performing a strength and conditioning program, stay active by riding your bike, swimming in a pool or playing sports and games. Think back to when you were ten. You would grab a quick bite to eat, then head back outside to play. Adding more physical activity to your daily routine will increase your energy level dramatically. (It can also help you Gain Performance Benefits From Active Rest.)
Mental Health
As you age, so does your memory. Keep your mind sharp by learning new movements, starting new hobbies and addressing new problems to solve. Try brushing your teeth, washing dishes and writing with your less dominant hand. Take a new travel route to work. Shaking things up will prompt your central nervous system to create new neuro pathways and grow new brain cells. (See Train Your Brain.)
Social Health
Interacting and socializing with family and friends reduces stress and takes your mind off the daily grind. Make sure the people you interact are positive and fill you with energy. Stay away from energy suckers and people who bring you down.
Environmental Health
Ask yourself whether the environment you live in is clean, effective, and organized? What about work? Do you keep your work area clean? Is your house clean and organized? Recycle and pick up your trash. Your goal should be to leave a healthy place for the next generation.
Spiritual Health
Strength to overcome obstacles requires believing in yourself and finding other things to believe in and to motivate you. Life is short. Find your purpose and fulfill it to the best of your ability. Give thanks every day and learn to forgive.
Intellectual Health
Learning and creative thinking are life-long processes. Continue to read, write, listen, and problem solve throughout your life. Given the pace of change in today’s world, it’s a challenge to stay up-to-date on the latest news, inventions, health, and business plans. Try to read and learn something new every day.