Any serious health improvement plan needs to address these four components of a fitness program:
1) NUTRITION
Nutrition is the foundation of health. We can’t make our own food like plants can, so the old adage of “you are what you eat” is exactly right. Any exercise or diet program is only as good as the nutrients you put into your body. A coffee-and-donuts diet builds a coffee-and-donuts body. You will never get the most out of your workouts without proper nutrition and recovery.
2) CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS
This is the ability of your heart and lungs to supply working muscles with sufficient energy. Cardiorespiratory fitness (cardiovascular fitness) is also affected by more complicated metabolic factors, such as the amount of oxygen that can be extracted from the blood. Aerobic activity trains the cardiorespiratory system, and it is the primary way to burn extra calories and prevent vascular disease.
3) MUSCULAR SYSTEM
We combine muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, balance, stability, and posture into this single category. All those terms are really ways of measuring your muscular system’s ability to do what you need it to do. Muscular training should be geared towards functionality. Many sub-optimal strength training routines are based on a bodybuilding style with a focus on cosmetic issues. There are many other training styles and protocols that may be more appropriate for various people. Train bodies for what they need to be able to do!
4) ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTION
If you keep telling yourself that your life and circumstances are difficult, oppressive, or hopeless, that is exactly what you will get. Positive energy breeds positive results. Negativity brings more negativity and frustration. Constant stress wreaks havoc on your system and stalls your progress. Work with your trainer to set some realistic and attainable goals, and be sure to discuss how you define success. No one can solve your problems except you. Things can only be as good as you will allow them to be!