Physical
fitness
We all know at this point we must
be more physically fit than our culture decides we may have to be to get by.
What does it actually mean to be physically fit? I will offer my insights after
studying the topic for more than thirty years.
First, a definition:
Fitness
is the ability to meet the needs of everyday life with ease maintaining a
reserve for emergencies.
In martial arts philosophy
artists practice physically to the point of automaticity.
This practice allows thought to be free from distraction. Ultimately free thought allows natural feelings and reactions. Natural feelings and reactions are not bound by time. They are in the moment. They are in harmony with one’s values, ethics, and the way things should be done or not acted on at all. Practice allows synchronicity mentally, physically, and emotionally. I wanted to mention enlightenment but understand it is not my place.
This practice allows thought to be free from distraction. Ultimately free thought allows natural feelings and reactions. Natural feelings and reactions are not bound by time. They are in the moment. They are in harmony with one’s values, ethics, and the way things should be done or not acted on at all. Practice allows synchronicity mentally, physically, and emotionally. I wanted to mention enlightenment but understand it is not my place.
Like any endeavor physical
automaticity is a simple matter of continual effort. This is the same in the
rest of life. How proficient are you in the hobby you have pursued? We all get
better at walking, to a point, and this is the most complicated undertaking we
ever learn physically. Developmentally running and skipping are more
complicated than walking but we learn to walk with a huge head and very small
feet. We also must be able to walk before we are allowed to run or skip. It is
not a coincidence we must walk to be physically fit. If someone wants to earn
the ability to run many experts suggest starting with a combination of running
and walking.
We must learn the alphabet before
reading.
We must learn to make the proper sounds with our mouths before
speaking is possible. Being physically active is similar. Strength training
sets a sound footing for most, if not all, other physical tasks. Balance,
agility, explosiveness, endurance, and every component of physical fitness are
founded on strength.
Here are ten components of
physical fitness and there are more:
1.
Strength
2.
Endurance
3.
Flexibility/mobility
4.
Nutrition
5.
Agility
6.
Explosiveness/power
7.
Recuperation
8.
Medical considerations
9.
Body composition
10. Static balance
o Dynamic balance
Notice are not on the
list! There is no benefit, physically, to looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Physical
activity does however make us look better. It is primal. We are more active so
we appear better to provide good genes, better food, and better energy to any
similarly adorned person.
Get stronger!