Wellness. Ten years ago almost no one had heard the term. Today, the use of the word Wellness is commonplace - particularly among people who have made a conscious decision to reclaim responsibility for their total health and well-being. We could attribute it to the health care system. We could say it was caused by baby boomers living longer, and grasping for more out of life. We could call it a universal trend to recognize the mind-body -spirit connection. Whatever the reason, most of us would agree; the focus on wellness is becoming stronger.
What is Wellness? The meaning of Wellness from one person to the next can be as individual as hair color. However, here are two definitions I have found to be helpful:
Wellness - It's the best in each of us - a natural mix of elements that makes us unique.
Wellness is a conscious commitment to growth and improvement in all areas.
The wonderful thing about wellness is that it is all-encompassing. From the moment we are conceived to the last day of our lives, Wellness applies to each of us. What follows is a list of a few terms that I believe most of us would agree applies to our personal definition of wellness:
- Stress-Free
- Mental Acuity
- Positive Self Esteem/Self Concept
- Resourcefulness
- Self Reliance
- Energy
- Smoke-Free
- Relaxation
- Positive Attitude
- Suppleness
- Injury-Free
- Synergy
- Breathing Freely
- Strength
- Disease-Free
- Soaring Spirit
- Pain-Free
- Intelligence
The above characteristics, as diverse as they may seem, are actually quite closely connected. First, they are universal. Is there one thing in the list that we would want to deny any human being? Second, these terms also imply unification of body-mind-spirit for total wellness. Finally, they can all be positively affected by one basic element - exercise.
This probably will come as a surprise to many people. Unfortunately, the way most of us think of exercise has not undergone the same evolution as the way we think of wellness. Exercise still bears the connotation for many, as elitist - only young beautiful, fit people exercise; intimidating - being in the same room with people whose necks are bigger than their heads, weights clanging, groaning, and everyone knowing what to do except me...; or painful - every time I exercise I hurt for a week.
The good news is that everyday we are learning more about the holistic benefits of exercise. As we learn, our industry changes. As the industry changes, hopefully so will the general perception of exercise. In the mean time, we are here to let you know that exercise is not elitist; it is for everyone - from the very young to the very old. Exercise doesn't have to be intimidating. The women and men exercisers of today come in all colors, shapes and sizes. Everyone is invited. Exercise doesn't have to be - nor should it be - painful. Regular exercise is the fundamental component to a lifetime of wellness.
Exercise helps normalize blood pressure, normalize blood sugar, decrease the risk of osteoporosis, reduce back pain and improve immune function. Want more? Exercisers are eight times less likely to die from cardiovascular disease, 30% more likely to cut down on caffeine, 50% more likely to overcome addiction to cigarette smoking and 250% more likely to lose weight.
Welcome to wellness. Together in upcoming articles we will explore wellness, exercise and how the two relate to one another. We will rediscover the power we each have to achieve and maintain a healthy body, sound mind, and soaring spirit. Lastly and perhaps more importantly, we will have a lot of fun doing it! Thanks for joining us.
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