Superhealth part II - the case for a new classification

Not just diet and exercise

We all know that to feel better and “be healthy” we should diet and exercise. Nag nag nag …

For one, I don’t particularly like the word “diet” as it brings up an idea that you should follow a particular list of things to eat at certain times to achieve certain things. In the quest for your ultimate levels of health, whether that encompasses losing weight, gaining muscle or just staying mentally fit – there is no one “diet”, only nutrition.

Additionally, things like adequate sleep; time for complete rest or relaxation that actually refreshes you (whether reading a book or in a park with friends having fun); and good general hygiene play as important a role in your overall health and wellbeing, as what you do for exercise. Your best health ever is not going to be found simply by hitting the treadmill 5 times a week for 30 minutes, whilst killing yourself slowly with too little sleep and too much stress.

“Health care” vs healthcare

Here’s where I draw a distinction : there’s an incredible amount you can do to care for your own health on a daily basis to stay close to superhealth, and not just “not sick”. All it takes is a little care, a little effort repeated regularly. You don’t have to sit back and let ill health creep up on you, forcing you to suddenly become dependant on the healthcare system, often at the worst possible time. A little prevention does go a long way.

Ageing, society and health care

The fun part of your own daily health care, is that you are in control. One of the issues facing the healthcare system is the increasing impact of an ageing population. “Health” is one of the biggest expenses of government. Our tax dollars already work hard so that we can enable those who are have dropped below a certain line into illness, high risk of illness, or conditions that need medical attention. As we age, we are more likely to need the healthcare system in some way or another. 

Then consider the proportion of people aged over 65 is expected to almost double in the next 40 years. It’s an alarming thought that our already overworked health system will continue to be called upon more and more. Where will the funding come from? 

I for one love living in a country where basic healthcare is free and assured. But why not maintain your optimum quality of life? Take ownership of your own health, empower yourself with the knowledge to live well, rather than rely on an overburdened system!

Superhealth!

The concept of "superhealth" is easy enough. Interchangeably referred to as wellness or sometimes fitness, it’s what exists at the peak of our own experience, a state far beyond just being “not sick.”

Take the spectrum of health, as we understand it in current medical terms. Illness - ranging from terminal, severe, mild, acute or chronic. You go to a doctor or specialist to be seen with a condition so that you can graduate back to an absence of illness. Anything beyond this simply doesn’t exist because you don’t need to visit a doctor or a hospital if there’s nothing wrong, right?

But what if there’s nothing particularly right?

Looking around, you'll notice that a good number of people aren't sick at any given time. But by golly, ask them about their energy, how they feel, what they feel they can do physically, and you'll get very different responses. If being not-sick was a universal diagnosis in medical terms, then we must be bounding out of bed with energy in the morning, powering through every day with reserve in our tanks, loving a regular exercise plan daily then getting into some vigourous night life before falling asleep instantly each night totally satisfied, ready to do it all again…

Staying active is one key to developing superhealth

Actually I think there’s a select few people on the planet at most who feel like that all the time!

There's an argument for the existence of a scale of health too, not just illness. Where you might feel amazing one day and ordinary the next. But what would it be worth to have amazing health and energy, day in day out? That kind of life I’d label superhealth – abundant energy and drive, the chance to live and experience life to its fullest.

The concept of health in our current system is great, don’t get me wrong. We need doctors and nurses and medicine and therapists of all kinds to help fight diseases and cure or care for the ill. We’ll all need healthcare in our lives. But it’s not the end of the story.

“Health care” vs healthcare

Here’s where I draw a distinction : there’s an incredible amount you can do to care for your own health on a daily basis to stay close to superhealth, and not just “not sick”. All it takes is a little care, a little effort repeated regularly. You don’t have to sit back and let ill health creep up on you, forcing you to one day become dependant on the healthcare system, often at the worst possible time. A little prevention does go a long way.

Next week I'll start to discuss a model I like to use when considering how best to affect a client's health, called "SHARPEN". It's a simple acronym for the elements that lead to your best potential body and mind. 

S - sleep

H - hygiene

A - awareness of your own body, genetics, and risk factors

R - relaxation

P - posture

E - exercise

N - nutrition

Innovative Techniques to Reach your Fitness Goals

Why do YOU want to build muscle?

Muscle and strength building is part of a total lifestyle model that includes getting enough sleep, good diet, stretching and regular cardiovascular exercise. It’s not just about becoming the guy with the biggest muscles or becoming some steroid-pumped freak. Excellent health, fitness and body building are about making better lifestyle choices and we do this one choice at a time.

One of the ways that you can stay encouraged to continue this lifestyle is by going into it with the right motivation. Take a hard look at your current state of health and appearance.

Why do you want to build muscle?

You might get a different answer from every person you ask, but the primary reason people start exercise programs is that they simply want to look and feel better. Each of us eventually comes to that moment when we look in the mirror and decide we’re sick of being a Couch Potato and ready to do whatever it takes to change.

Visualisation

Visualisation has become an important tool that successful people use in all walks of life. Create an image of yourself in your own mind of what you want to achieve, and reinforce it regularly. Believe it or not, this technique really works and it can work for you whether you want to become supervisor of your department or lose 5kg.

For example, if you want to build enough strength to make climbing the 6 flights of stairs to your apartment easier, then create a mental image of yourself effortlessly reaching the final step. Keep a journal of your short-term and long-term goals and keep those right in front of your eyes every day.

Create a Realistic Timeline

If you set unrealistic goals, then all you will get is disappointment. Map out a doable exercise and eating plan. You may need to work up to your ultimate goals slowly, but as long as you’re moving in the right direction, then you’ll eventually reach your goal. Be sure to take some “Before” photos and measurements so you’ll know how you’re doing. A good timeline might be 12 weeks. Set a goal to train at least 2-3 times per week.

Get Others on Board

Having a work-out partner can be a great method of staying on track. You can keep each other motivated and honest about your progress. Sometimes we all need a little help from our friends.

Start Where You Are

Even if you can’t currently afford a gym membership or a personal trainer, start at home. Exercising at home costs nothing but time and this could become your fitness foundation. Later, if possible, add some equipment or a gym membership. Beginners can start with a 30-minute strengthening routine including a warm-up and cool down, 3 times a week.

Build Core and Stabiliser Strength

The plank exercise helps develop lower back and core strength. Doing shoulder rotations with either a light weight (e.g. a can or bottle) or resistance band, and hip rotations and hip side raises (abductions) can do amazing things for building strength and stability before attempting heavier weights.

The plank

Find or Create a Gym

The ideal home gym includes a basic array of equipment to effectively work any muscle group – a flat or incline bench, some adjustable dumbbells, a floor mat and possibly a chin-up bar and barbell set.

When you’re ready, then join a local gym. Working with a trainer can fast-track your fitness program. Some people are intimidated by gyms but after you go a few times, you’ll feel just like a veteran member. Look for a good, clean place that’s close to home or work.

Stay Up to Date on the New Techniques and Research

Fitness magazines and newsletters can keep you up to date, motivated and informed. Talk to friends who are also training. Sometimes the hardest thing about long-term exercise programs is simply staying motivated. A good friend or work-out buddy can ensure that you’ll get the encouragement you need to keep moving forward.

Check with Your Doctor

Before starting any exercise program, make sure to get clearance from your doctor or health professional. The information I share is only meant to be a guide and should not replace professional advice.

At Life Active, we believe that regardless of your age or health conditions, you can get fit and healthy. And we give you the tools to do the job. Our goal is to supply you with sound education, training and support. Life Active has become one of the most successful fitness and training firms in Surry Hills because our founder, Andrew Greig, lives what he believes. He simply has a knack for getting even the hard cases involved in turning their lives around. You can achieve a robust, healthy lifestyle and we’re here to help!