Many people believe that being fit and being healthy means the same thing. However, while the terms “healthy” and “fit” are often used synonymously, the words have entirely different meanings and can be separate states of physical being. This means that you can be very healthy and may not be fit, and you can be very fit and may not be healthy.
Since the balance between both sides provides the best benefits, we need to identify the difference between health and fitness. In this YouTube episode, we will discuss what it means to be healthy and fit. We will also discuss the difference between healthy and being fit, so you can strike a balance between the two and preserve your overall health.
What Does It Mean To Be Fit?
Many of us have misconceptions about what it means to be fit. For instance, some may think they need to bench press twice their body weight at the gym, run a marathon, or weigh a certain amount to be considered fit.
Suppose you fit into the above description – good for you! However, you may still be lacking as far as physical fitness is concerned.
The truth is that being physically fit is more than having big muscles or being a certain weight. It is more about performing an activity or task without undue fatigue and meeting the physical demands of everyday life. Physical fitness is typically achieved through good dietary practices and a regular exercise program.
Being Fit vs. Being Healthy
In 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) described health as a state of complete mental, social, and physical well-being and not merely the absence of infirmity or disease. They made further clarification in 1986 and explained that it is a resource for everyday life and not the objective of living. That means health is a resource to support the function of an individual in broader society instead of an end in itself.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) describes health as a person’s state of well-being, where physiological systems work in harmony. NIH also explains that fitness is more about a person’s ability to perform a given exercise task. That means the term “healthy” is much broader than just engaging in physical activity or your performance in sport.
For instance, the circulatory system is one of the human physiological systems that most people are concerned about. Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death in the United States. And lately, people, including athletes who are generally considered to be physically fit, are having strokes and heart attacks at a young age.
Being healthy goes beyond the physical, unlike fitness that has more to do with muscular endurance, strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and body weight. It also includes the mental and chemical balance that affects an individual’s psychological, social, and emotional well-being. So you cannot say you’re healthy if you’re fit but have a mental illness like anorexia, depression, sleep apnea, or emotional stress.
Can You Achieve Both?
Of course, you can! While we’re not saying that being fit is bad for you, you need to be proactive by knowing your health status as you strive to be fit. Keep in mind that being active and physically fit can help to prevent cardiovascular disease and minimize the effect on people who already have the disease. Also, being healthy can help in your struggle to achieve physical fitness.
Preserving Your Health And Fitness
The tips below will help to preserve your overall health and stay fit:
- Get adequate sleep and maintain a balanced schedule.
- Exercise your body regularly.
- Avoid unhealthy behaviors, including smoking, excessive alcohol use, and high-stress or sedentary lifestyles.
- Practice good personal and oral hygiene and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Eat healthy. Make sure your diets are high in good fats, fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins but low in bad fats, sugar, and processed foods.
- Go for check-ups regularly and address any health issue as soon as possible.
- Preserve your mental health. Resist comparison on social media platforms and build positive motivation. Everyone has a different healthy lifestyle journey.
Modern Family Dental Care Can Help!
At Modern Family Dental Care, we believe your oral health contributes to your physical fitness and overall health. That’s why we offer comprehensive dental services in Davis Lake near the University Charlotte area and Concord Mills to give you and your family a beautiful, confident, and healthy smile.
Our knowledgeable team combines the latest technologies with years of experience to provide the best oral care and ensure you and your family have continuing oral health and hygiene. We also offer a Wellness Savings Program, Budget Dental Plan, and other financing options. This helps limit mental stress and remove financial barriers so you and your family can get the dental treatment you need. Schedule an appointment today! Our qualified team, spearheaded by Dr. Taj Haynes, would be happy to help you achieve the beautiful and healthy smile you’ve always wanted.
