It seems there are as many different fitness goals and regimens as there are people wanting to get fit. With all this diversity, it is not a surprise fitness sometimes appears to have a subjective definition. Here, we will take a look at various concepts that seem to compose the broader picture of fitness, and how each of these concepts can serve to improve one’s health and well-being.
One aspect of fitness that most people might be able to agree upon is the fact that a well-rounded fitness regimen often has a cardiovascular component. This means the fitness routine involves some sort of action that is designed to promote the health of one’s heart, lungs and circulatory system, also known as the cardiovascular system.
Typically, a cardiovascular fitness routine will involve such actions as running, jogging, walking, bicycling, jumping rope, spending time on the elliptical machine and so on. These are all actions that can boost cardiovascular fitness by giving the heart and lungs a workout on a regular basis.
Another common aspect of fitness is a muscle-building, and perhaps fat-burning, component. Usually, this piece of a fitness regimen involves engaging in weight-bearing activities, such as lifting weights or working with your own body weight to provide resistance. The goal here often involves building more lean muscle mass, while at the same time getting rid of body fat.
In some fitness circles, however, there is a belief it is best to do either one or the other—burn fat or build muscle. Sometimes, people will focus their fitness on burning fat or building muscle first, then turn their attention to the other fitness goal.
Perhaps a less obvious aspect of fitness is massage therapy. Massage therapy comes in as the rest-and-healing side of a fitness routine, which should be viewed as equally important as the intense activity one pursues in the name of fitness. In fact, massage seems to become even more important the more active a person is in his or her fitness pursuits.
The reason massage therapy plays such an important role in fitness is because it can help the body heal and recover from the stress imposed by regular workouts of all kinds. When people make massage therapy a core component of their fitness regimens, they are taking powerful measures to prevent overuse injuries and ensure they can continue to participate in their favorite fitness pursuits.
Without adequate rest and recovery time, which massage therapy provides, people who engage in physically intense activity on a regular basis may not be allowing their own bodies to heal and recharge to full capacity. This means there may be a greater risk of injury and also a decreased level of performance.
Whether your fitness regimen involves cardiovascular efforts, resistance training or a combination of both, be sure to weave in the condensed dose of rest and recovery massage therapy provides. With massage as a key piece of your fitness routine, you may be more likely to avoid injury and reach your fitness goals faster.