Health is commonly mistaken to mean the absence of disease. In reality, it is so much more than that. From a medical point of view, health is ultimately based upon the level of energy you experience on a daily basis. The more energy you have, the healthier you are and the more you are able to enjoy your life.  – Dr. Michael Galitzer

This week I posted an article from Medium from a writer who was ranting about the silliness and vapidness of the Fitness Industry.  Friends that are also in the industry liked and commented on the post.  We looked up one of the people he mentions by name in the article and really it was just sad.

I’ve been very vocal about how I’ve unfollowed most Fitness Pages or people in the industry because I’m tired of ripped abs, excessive arching of the back to show booty gainz, or showing off PR’s with horrible form being shown as the pinnacle of health.  That is NOT what Health is about and the Fitness Industry is steering people wrong in having them believe that Health is about vanity, excessively low body fat, and plastic parts.

Excessive Leanness is not health

For women health is marketed as flat stomachs, perfectly curved glutes, and low body fat.

If you talk to anyone who has been in competition shape or excessively lean, then they will tell you that you will not feel your absolute best.  Being at a low body fat you will feel tired, hungry, have a low sex drive, and not have a whole lot of energy which is counter to the health definition above.

It’s also not healthy to starve yourself, become obsessed with food, exercise for hours on end, or take harmful substances in pursuit of being excessively lean.

Excessive Muscularity is not health

On the Flip Side for men, health is marketed as having ripped pecs, abs, and being “Jacked”.

Well I’m here to tell you that Eating pounds and pounds of protein, taking drugs such as Insulin, Growth Hormone, and Testosterone is not health.  It is also not healthy to ego lift in the gym and end up with major injuries.

It’s Not about how you look.  It’s about how you feel.

The reason I loved that definition above is because the Health and Fitness Industry has gotten it wrong.  They have people believing that health is all about how you look and not about how you feel and how you are able to live your life.

My core Message to people is that Health and Fitness is supposed to help you to live the life that you want to live.  We want to be healthy and fit so that we can LIVE LIFE BETTER.  You need to be strong so that you can do household chores like vacuum and even carry groceries.  You want to have enough juice to be able to enjoy your kids, grandkids, or even enjoy an active lifestyle instead of just sitting in the house.

Good Vibrant Health allows you to do those things and it also helps you to build your confidence because when you have enough energy to live your life to the fullest, you do what you think you cannot do and that’s a for sure confidence booster!

Working with clients over the years, the greatest joys I get are from people who are able to live better.  It has never been because so and so has ripped abs and booty gains.  That type of success is fleeting and honestly?  It doesn’t last and it’s never going to be enough because that mentality is looking for perfection and as I have said over and over again: PERFECT DOESN’T EXIST.

So what about you?  How are your energy levels?

Whenever I talk to people who are still active at 70,80,90,and above they always say the same thing:  I KEEP MOVING.  Why do they keep moving?  They have the energy to keep it going and Some are far more active than people in their 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s.

Last week I talked with a woman I’ve been seeing at the gym for years and years and she said she still comes because it helps her to move better.  She is now in her 70’s and she says if I miss my workout, I feel old and achy but when I come for my workout I get out of bed like nobody’s business!!

A fellow trainer posted that he was so inspired by one of his clients that came in for one of her twice weekly  training sessions on her 85th birthday.  She did not have time to get old and tired!

These people aren’t running around talking about booty gainz and all that crap BECAUSE IT DOESN’T MATTER.  What matters is having enough energy to keep moving and I don’t think that only needs to be the case when we get older.  More people would be inspired to take care of themselves and get healthy if they understood it wasn’t about being a certain weight or clothing size but about having enough energy for life.  Everybody wants to feel better and here’s a secret:  When you feel better, you will look better.  It’s changing from the inside out and all the way down to the cellular level.

What about you?  How are your energy levels?  Do you have enough energy to make it through the day or are you lethargic and tired?  If you answered lethargic and tired, then it’s time to make some changes.

  • Turn off the TV, social media, and get moving
  • Eat Nutritious foods
  • Drink More water
  • GET ENOUGH SLEEP
  • Cut down on alcohol

Join Us For Spring Training

In April, we will be focused on Spring Training and getting ready to enjoy the summer.  The picture above is from me about to take a run outside.  I love to run outside during the spring/summer (especially since it doesn’t get to hot here in SF)  Plus this summer we have the Olympics so I will be out on the track pretending that I am Usain Bolt.  (Remember Fitness can be fun!)

There’s more daylight this time of year so that means there is more time to enjoy life.  What are you waiting for?

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Here’s to Living Better!