The Theory of Fitness

There is a saying that states, “We are nothing without our health.” I do not agree with that statement and here are two examples why:

The first example is Tyson Fury, a British professional boxer, who had issues with mental health, alcoholism and drug use. He overcame the struggles to become a champion and inspiration to those who suffer from mental health.

The second example is, more famously, Stephan Hawking whose physical health deteriorated at an early age. This did not stop him from becoming an icon of modern physics as well as inspiring generations of scientists. His contributions have changed our understanding of the universe, which inspired his biopic, The Theory of Everything. The title is based on the final theory that fully explains and links together all physical aspects of the universe.

What these two heroes have taught us is, firstly, health is sometimes not our choice. Some of us are dealt a bad hand in life. However, Tyson Fury and Stephen Hawking have both shown that it should not hold us back in life and we can achieve our goals regardless of our health. Therefore, fitness is not everything. If you knew someone who only talked about the gym and protein, you would be bored of them very quickly (just ask my ex about that!). In that case, what is health and fitness?

I believe health and fitness is a life skill. It helps us with our everyday tasks. Whether that is being able to walk up flights of stairs or just having a good attendance in work; it makes life that little bit easier.

Personally, fitness is more than a life skill; it is a life style. As well as a hobby, it also helps me deal with stress and I absolutely love it. I remember I started lifting weights when I worked in a very demanding job. Instead of coping with stress in the most popular way (going to McDonalds), I dealt with stress by working out. What I learned was that after the workout, my mind was clearer and I gained more confidence to tackle those work related issues.

Whether it is cardio or weights, I always feel better after exercise. I try to work out as much as I can. At one point in my life, I was going to the gym 6 times a week. I got the usual taunts you might expect like being call a loser for going to the gym so much. It was all fun and games and to be fair they probably had a point! Ironically, no one taunts me when I binge watch a ten episode series on Netflix within a couple of days.

But that’s the point. Fitness is not for everyone and we all have our different interests. Of course, fitness is important and the benefits to our health are magnificent. However, I can accept that people simply do not enjoy it and that is fine. One thing I have noticed is that some people hate fitness, yet, they continue to do it; spending fortunes on diets and gym memberships. After wondering why, I realised that their desire for fitness is just a pursuit of happiness. They think that if they get the perfect body, then everyone will fall into place and life will be perfect. Unfortunately, it does not work like that. There is no doubt that exercise contributes to happiness; however, it is only one factor of a well-balanced life. Family, career, friendships, and relationships, are also important components.

So, health and fitness is not the be-all-and-end-all. Stephen Hawking famously said, “life would be tragic if it weren’t funny”. I would add that it would be tragic if it were not fun either. So find something that you love to do and prioritise the time to do it. For me the thing I love is fitness, but for you it could be something else.

Doing what you love to do is what makes a happy life.

And it’s a theory for everyone.