Why Be Fit?

Last Reviewed Oct 25, 2023

Is your physical condition preventing you from living a pain-free life? Is it keeping you from doing your job effectively? Are you stressed and unhealthy? People who are not physically fit have more health problems than those who are. I know you’ve heard this a million times, but consider this: Does your current physical condition lose credibility every time you walk into the boardroom, stand on the sidelines at your child’s sporting event, or worse, does the predator look? on you and know that you are a sheep ready to be picked?

There are many benefits to being in shape, but the ability to deal with everyday stress is what matters most. Military and law enforcement special forces have proven that the more physically conditioned you are, the better off you can handle the effects of combat stress before, during, and after the threat ends. Stress can do terrible things to us. Under the stress of a confrontation, we are likely to react in one of three ways – fight, flee, or freeze. Freezing is obviously the biggest problem, and if you don’t react to a deadly threat, you’re sure to have a bad day at Disneyland! Being physically fit gives you an edge over your competition and helps you react appropriately. Obviously, the most appropriate response to a violent confrontation is to create distance.

Physical conditioning has several components – flexibility, strength, aerobic/anaerobic capacity, healthy eating habits, and adequate rest. You don’t have to run six miles every day, lift weights twice a day, and only eat roots and sprouts. Exercise for at least an hour three times a week, include weight training, flexibility training, and aerobic/anaerobic activity. Combine these with healthy eating habits and you’ve got a great start to a new fitness lifestyle. If your current physical abilities are inadequate, meet up with one of your fit friends and ask how he or she stays in shape.