We are all guilty of making excuses to not take care of ourselves.
“I’m too tired.”
“I don’t have the time.”
“I’m not feeling it today.”
Live here too long and we end up paying the price.
At Railroad, each day is a deliberate effort to move your health further along the sickness – wellness – fitness continuum
Understanding the sickness, wellness, and fitness continuum is crucial as we strive to achieve a healthier lifestyle.
Let’s break each down:
SICKNESS —> WELLNESS → FITNESS
Sickness:
At this stage, specific measurements such as a blood pressure of 160/95 are considered pathological.
A body fat percentage of 40% falls into the pathological category.
Similarly, other metrics like bone density, triglycerides, muscle mass, flexibility, HDL (“good cholesterol”), and resting heart rate can indicate a state of sickness.
At this stage imagine struggling to pick up any form of weight off the floor, or press any form of weight over your head. And you wouldn’t think twice about being able to run longer than 100m without needing to stop.
The risks and dangers of being in “sickness” stage are high from chronic disease to poor physical and mental health to major declines in life, lifestyle.
Our goal should be to never be in sickness. So we must be active participants in creating the largest buffer.
As we progress along the continuum, the goal is to address these measurements and move towards wellness.
Wellness:
As we move further from sickness we transition towards wellness, which involves achieving healthier metrics.
For instance, a blood pressure of 120/70 is considered normal or healthy, while a body fat percentage of 20-25% falls within the healthy range.
Improved bone density, triglycerides, muscle mass, flexibility, and other health markers signify progress towards wellness. Mental health, including the mitigation of conditions like depression through proper diet and exercise, is also a key component of wellness.
Activity wise
Fitness:
Our ultimate goal for health and for the buffer against illness and sickness, Fitness.
This is the pinnacle of the continuum, where specific measurements reflect an optimized state of health and performance.
A blood pressure of 105/55 is consistent with an athlete’s blood pressure, while a body fat percentage of 10-20% represents a fit individual.
Achieving excellent bone density, triglyceride levels, muscle mass, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness marks the attainment of fitness.
CrossFit emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive and balanced fitness regimen that supports overall health and well-being.
Active wise I can lift my own bodyweight off the floor. Squat my bodyweight.
Move my body for 5, 10, 15+ min cardiovascularly without stopping.
Building Your Buffer:
Done right, fitness provides a great margin of protection against the ravages of time and disease.
Where you find otherwise examine the fitness protocol, especially nutrition.
Fitness is and should be “super-wellness.”
Sickness, wellness, and fitness are measures of the same entity.
A fitness regimen that doesn’t support health is not optimal.
The CrossFit methodology we’ll use reinforces the idea that fitness is not just about physical prowess but also about promoting super-wellness.
A fitness protocol that neglects health considerations is not in alignment with the our philosophy.
By focusing on proper training, nutrition, and lifestyle habits, we can build a strong foundation for long-term health and vitality.
So let’s always keep perspective, especially on the days where our juice is low, we don’t want to. Each day we must create ourselves. We must answer the call to our health.
Because we are our own advocates to move along the sickness, wellness, and fitness continuum.
With the help, support and guidance at Railroad we come together and are embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes health, longevity, and holistic well-being.
Further reading and understanding:
https://library.crossfit.com/free/pdf/CFJ-trial.pdf
Are you ready to get Fit?
Book a FREE consult to talk to a Coach about getting started.
