Healthy; I often hear people say their goal when working with me is to be healthy. However, when I ask them to define what that means, many struggle to provide a clear answer.
Defining “healthy” can be subjective, as it can mean different things to different people. As a seasoned fitness professional, I believe it’s crucial to understand what this term means to each individual when working towards fitness and nutrition goals.
To me, “healthy” is a medical term that pertains to internal biomarkers rather than external appearances. In my experience, it’s important to separate aesthetic goals from the concept of “healthy.” While people may have different external appearances, their bodies can still be healthy.
Measuring internal biomarkers, such as resting heart rate, blood pressure, body fat percentage, and fasting blood glucose levels, is critical for good health. Studies have shown that individuals who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. A high resting heart rate is often linked to poor cardiovascular health, which can increase the likelihood of experiencing a cardiovascular event.
Moreover, even individuals with normal body fat levels may have high levels of visceral fat, which accumulates around the internal organs and has been linked to several health problems, including insulin resistance, inflammation, and an increased risk of heart disease.
Good nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining both external and internal health. Poor nutrition can lead to obesity, which increases the risk of several health conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Additionally, poor nutrition can lead to deficiencies in vital nutrients that are essential for healthy body function.
It’s important to note that relying solely on external appearance or weight on the scale can lead to unrealistic expectations, causing some individuals to pursue overly aggressive changes. This approach can be harmful and counterproductive, leading to adverse health outcomes rather than positive ones.
Therefore, taking a holistic approach to health by focusing on both internal and external health is essential when pursuing fitness and nutrition goals. By paying attention to internal biomarkers like blood pressure, resting heart rate, and FBG, we can better understand the relationship between external appearance and internal health. Good nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle habits can help promote good health, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and improve overall well-being.
Establishing clear goals and working towards them with a balanced approach can help individuals achieve sustainable, long-term health outcomes. It’s crucial to recognize that aesthetic goals should be considered separately from the concept of “healthy” as it is a medical term focusing on internal biomarkers rather than external appearance.