A recent article in Men’s Health says we should focus more on fitness, not body weight, to improve our health.
But is this the best approach?
Let’s dive into the article and explore what this means for you.
Cardio Fitness = Lower Disease Risk
Here’s the quick rundown: A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reviewed 20 research papers. They found that “cardiorespiratory fitness” (basically how well your heart and lungs work together) is a powerful factor in predicting your risk for heart disease and even early death.
The study also showed that improving your cardio fitness can reduce these risks—even if you’re still carrying some extra weight. So, if you’re not exactly at your “ideal weight,” it’s okay. You can still improve your health by focusing on how fit you are, rather than stressing over the number on the scale.
The Men’s Health article summed it up with this quote: “Being fit is protective against cardiovascular disease and dying, regardless of your body weight and BMI.”
Here’s the good news: if you’ve struggled with weight loss, there’s hope. You don’t need to hit some magic number on the scale to see big health improvements. Just focus on getting fitter, and you’ll still be winning!
That doesn’t mean weight loss doesn’t matter. Of course, if you have a weight goal, it’s still important. But this study shows that improving your fitness—especially cardiovascular fitness—will give you huge health benefits, even if the scale doesn’t budge as quickly as you want. Keep exercising!
Fitness Is More Than Just Cardio
Cardio is important, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle.
The key to improving your health and reaching your goals—whether it’s losing weight, getting stronger, or feeling better—is to focus on overall fitness. This means not just cardio, but also strength, speed, flexibility, and balance.
While cardio is great, it’s not enough to ignore the rest of your fitness. To make real progress, you need a balanced approach that includes healthy eating and other types of exercise. This holistic way of thinking helps improve your mental health, self-esteem, and even your weight in the long run.
In short, don’t just focus on cardio. Aim for all-around fitness. It’s the fastest way to see improvements in your health, and it’ll help you feel better about yourself, too.
General Movement Is Good, But Tailored Training Is Better
Here’s the thing: Moving more is a great start. If you’ve been struggling with getting active, just getting started with simple activities like walking for 20 minutes a day is a win.
But if you really want to improve your cardiovascular fitness, you need more than just general movement. You need a plan. That’s where experienced coaches come in.
When you have a specific training plan, based on your unique goals, you’ll see faster results. A good coach knows exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to track your progress. With a plan designed for you, you’ll be able to optimize your fitness in a way that random walking or exercising just can’t match.
So, if you’re ready to make faster progress, it might be time to get some expert guidance and start a training plan that’s tailored just for you.
Need Help?
Improving your fitness can be intimidating, and if you’re feeling lost or frustrated, you’re not alone. Many people get confused and give up because they don’t see a clear path to their goals. But don’t worry, help is available!
Our expert coaches can meet with you to discuss your goals, whether it’s weight loss, improving cardio fitness, building strength, or something else. We’ll help you understand exactly where you’re at, where you want to go, and the best way to get there as quickly as possible.
Ready to start? Click the link to book a free consultation!
By focusing on fitness instead of just weight, you can make real strides toward a healthier life—no matter where you’re starting from. Keep moving, and don’t forget that your fitness journey is about more than just the scale. Keep going, and you’ll see the results!
