Being Fit and Healthy – Are they both Different?

Social media is abuzz with videos and news of young people going to gym, fainting and dying. The mere absence of disease cannot be termed as being healthy as per WHO. Someone with physical, mental and social well being is only termed healthy. Fitness, on the other hand, is more of an external appearance. So someone who is fit may not essentially be healthy. Likewise, someone who is healthy may not essentially be fit. Being fit and being healthy, therefore, are clearly two different things. Let us discuss more.

A Little more on the difference between being fit and being healthy

Being fit refers to the ability to perform physical activity, while being healthy refers to overall physical, mental, and social well-being.

Example of being fit but not healthy

• Take the example of a condition called aneurysm (rupture of blood vessels) which can happen in the blood vessels of the brain, heart or abdomen. This condition can happen in a person who is perfectly fit too. Such conditions are difficult to diagnose. 
• A bodybuilder who is very physically fit but has unhealthy habits such as smoking or not getting enough sleep is a perfect example of being fit but not healthy..

Example of being healthy but not fit

• If a person has chronic illness that limits their physical activity but are able to manage it well and have good mental and social well-being can be termed being fit but not healthy.

More on how to maintain Fitness

There are several things you can do to become fit:

1. Engage in regular physical activity: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise 4-5 days of the week. This could include activities like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling.
2. Eat a healthy, balanced diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid sugary drinks and foods, and limit your intake of unhealthy fats.
3. Stay hydrated: Aim to drink at least 8 cups of water per day.
4. Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
5. Keep stress in check: Find ways to manage stress through meditation, yoga, or exercise.
6. Find activities you enjoy: Choose physical activities that you enjoy, as this will make it more likely that you will stick with them.
7. Be consistent: Make physical activity and healthy eating a regular part of your routine. It’s important to be consistent rather than trying to do too much all at once and then quickly falling back into old habits.

More on how to maintain Health

Here are some tips for maintaining good health:

1. Eat a healthy, balanced diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid sugary drinks and foods, and limit your intake of unhealthy fats.
2. Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. This could include activities like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling.
3. Stay hydrated: Aim to drink at least 8 cups of water per day.
4. Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
5. Keep stress in check: Find ways to manage stress, such as through meditation, yoga, or exercise.
6. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are both harmful to your health. If you smoke, consider quitting, and if you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
7. Get regular medical check-ups: It’s important to stay up to date with vaccinations and to get regular check-ups to detect any potential health issues early on.
8. Take care of your mental health: In addition to physical health, it’s important to prioritize mental and emotional health. This can include practicing stress management techniques, seeking help when needed, and maintaining positive relationships.

Why should we be Fit and Healthy too?

In general, being both fit and healthy is optimal for overall health and well-being. To be fit, you should engage in regular physical activity, such as going for runs or walks, lifting weights, or playing sports. It’s also important to eat a healthy, balanced diet that is rich in nutrients and low in unhealthy substances like added sugars and unhealthy fats. In addition to physical health, it’s also important to prioritize mental and emotional health. This can include practicing stress management techniques, seeking help when needed, and maintaining positive relationships.

It’s also important to avoid behaviors that can harm your health, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. By taking care of your body and mind, you can improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of developing certain health conditions.

If you are above 40, always get a master health check up done, visit a doctor, show the reports and get the feedback before hitting a gym. He also says not to overdo any exercises and do workouts under supervision. Always remember that it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise or diet program. They can help you determine the best plan for your needs and goals.