But what does ‘fit’ mean? Ask 10 different people, and you could easily get 10 or more, completely different definitions.
I know lots of runners. I know a few who have completed more than a couple of marathons. That’s the full 42 km each time! That’s an amazing feat to most of us. In fact, the marathon is such an amazing event that I’m in awe of anyone who even attempts it.
I also know some bodybuilders … and some who might be called aspiring bodybuilders! There are some fit looking people in among that crowd. Some are quite gifted in that above average strength comes with their fantastic physiques.
But would a marathon runner bench press their own body weight for five sets of 8 or even 5 repetitions as part of their training? Flip the script and it’s not likely you would ask a body builder to do a 5 or 10 km time trial as part of their program. We try not to make assumptions though. There are some strong distance runners out there. Some bodybuilders enjoy running and swimming laps too.
But in all cases, when looking at elite level athletes it’s clear that they are specialists. The distance runner might do some strength training but they’re not keen on packing on too much muscle. The bodybuilder may do some running to keep up the cardio work but they won’t make a habit of it in case they lose muscle mass.
You could probably come up with an long list of similar dichotomies. Such as … who is the fittest? An Olympic weightlifter, or the Olympic 100 meter sprint champion? Does it matter? It’s definitely an interesting question. What is the definition of fitness anyway? Should your goal be to look good, or should you prioritize athletic performance?
The answer to that question is obviously dependent on what each of us thinks is most important. But whatever your priorities might be. If you’re not an elite athlete (I’m raising my hand) then can you afford to limit yourself to one training approach or style? Is running 10 km a week all you do for your fitness? How’s your deadlift? Do you spend 3 to 5 hours a week on the pin loaded machines in your regular gym? When was the last time you stepped onto the treadmill or sat on a rower to do a time trial?
What’s your definition of fitness? Cardio and stamina over longer distances would probably be up there right?
What about strength? Power lifting seems to be experiencing a resurgence at the moment. Especially among women.
What about power? That’s related to the time it takes to move (application of force) a load over a given distance.
What about speed, coordination and agility? How’s your balance? Can you shoot a basket ball and score at will (accuracy)?
I’m lucky enough to be able to work out with people who demonstrate all of these attributes. Sure … they’re stronger in some areas than they might be in others. But the thing that sets them apart is that they make a conscious effort to cover all the bases. Specialization isn’t the goal. They’re not trying to be the best … they’re just hoping to be their best. Their not pursuing perfection … they want progress.
I suck at running and swimming. Always have. A 10 year old can outrun me. But I can run and swim further now that I was able to 5 years ago. On a good day I can also squat and deadlift really heavy! As a 49 year old with a creaky knee and a hernia repair I’m gonna take whatever I squat and pull as a win – no-matter how heavy.
What about you? Where do you see your strengths? Is your vision for your future fitness multidimensional? Do you want to discover your potential by strengthening your weaknesses? Are you covering all the bases, or are you sitting on home base? Why not try for 1st base … and perhaps go all the way and get a home run?
data-animation-override>
“A goal without a plan is just a wish”