Archive for the tag - fit

What Makes Someone Physically Fit?

June 13, 2013 By

Dear Davey,

Everyone talks about getting ‘fit’ but what exactly is ‘fit’ and how do you know when you have become ‘fit’? Is fitness a good BMI, fantastic looking body (like yours), low weight, being able to cycle for miles non stop or something else?

Thanks,
Jonathan

Hey Jonathan,

I love your question! And it speaks to the importance of structuring your program around a solid goal.

In the past, I’ve written about the necessity of S.M.A.R.T. goals. That is, goals that are:

  1. Specific: Goals should be laser-focused.
  2. Measurable: Whenever possible, attach real-world numbers to your goals. This could mean pounds, kilos, inches or clothing sizes.
  3. Attainable: A good goal should be achievable with hard work and dedication - but rooted in reason. Don’t make it too difficult. Conversely, don’t make it too easy.
  4. Relevant: The goal needs to be important to you. If it’s not important, you won’t stick with it.
  5. Timely: Attach a date to your goal. Rather than wanting to lose 10 pounds of fat, say that you want to lose 10 pounds of fat in 60 days.

With S.M.A.R.T. goals in mind, your question illustrates the problem of saying you’d like to become fit. For starters, it’s not specific, measurable or timely. So let’s turn “fit” into a smart goal.

body fat percentagesThough true physical fitness takes many complicated factors into consideration (such as cardiorespiratory endurance, muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, balance, etc.), there is an easier way to cut to the point. It involves body fat percentages.

Here’s how it breaks down:

  • Essential fat: 10% - 13% for women, 2% - 5% for men
  • Athletes: 14% - 20% for women, 6% - 13% for men
  • Fitness: 21% - 24% for women, 14 - 17% for men
  • Average: 25% - 31% for women, 18 - 24% for men
  • Obese: 32+% for women, 25+% for men

Though body fat percentages don’t consider every aspect of physical fitness, they’re a great place to start. And it’s easy to create a smart goal around body fat percentages. For example, you could say,  “I want to achieve 15% body fat by December 31.”

With that S.M.A.R.T. goal in mind, you can certainly structure a fitness program to make it happen!

I hope that helps!

Love,
Davey

 

But when most people use the word fit, they’re referring to an in-shape individual with a low percentage of body fat.

 

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How to Stay Fit While Traveling.

January 30, 2011 By

My 6-day trip to Park City, Utah (and blogging hiatus) has finally come to an end. I’m finally back in Rhode Island! There’s no place like home.

Staying healthy and fit while traveling is always a challenge. But here are my top 6 tips for making it happen:

  1. Remember that there’s no such thing as “vacation” calories. You’ve probably heard people try to justify an unhealthy meal by saying, “It’s okay. I’m on vacation.” While there is nothing wrong with the occasional indulgence, it’s important to remember the obvious: Your body doesn’t process food differently when you’re on a vacation. Calories are calories, plain and simple.
  2. Stay at a hotel with a gym, or buy day passes. Before I left on my trip, I was excited to discover that my hotel had a fitness center. When I arrived, I realized the so-called fitness center consisted of two old treadmills, a yoga mat and one piece of equipment. Since the hotel booking was beyond my control, I called the concierge and found an actual gym 10 minutes down the road. I purchased a few day passes - which was a bit pricey - but splurging on your body is always a good thing.
  3. Use your feet. One of the best ways to explore a new city is on foot, and it’s also great exercise. Opting to walk (instead of buses, cabs and the like) will help counteract some of those extra calories we tend to consume while traveling.
  4. Stock the mini-fridge. I made use of the mini-fridge by stocking it with my own food. I hit up a local grocery store and purchased some fresh fruit and sandwiches. Using the mini-fridge for your own food is a great way to cut down on restaurant meals.
  5. Be flexible. Exercise doesn’t need to be “all or nothing.” Maybe your typical gym routine is 60 minutes, and you only have 30 minutes of free time. As Tim Gunn would say, “Make it work.” Do what you can with what you’ve got! 30 minutes of exercise is better than zero minutes of exercise.
  6. Beat the rush. Though this tip isn’t for everyone, I’d recommend getting up an hour before your friends, family or coworkers. Before your busy vacation schedule starts, dedicate this early morning time to exercise. At the end of the day, after hours of traveling and exploring, you’re probably not going to have the energy to exercise.

Those are my six tips but I’d love to hear some of yours! Let me know in the comments below!

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