The difference between health and fitness

​Health and fitness are often talked about in the same way but there is a difference. People who exercise regularly – whether taking part in competitive sports, attending fitness classes or working out with a personal trainer – are often presumed to be both fit and healthy.

However, a gym fanatic who is a heavy smoker, doesn’t get enough sleep or struggles to manage stress, could see the quality of their health affected.

Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of: “complete physical, mental and social well being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. Our overall health can be affected by our physical fitness but also by our mental wellbeing.

Exercise can boost endorphins, increase confidence and improve mental health. It can benefit all of us in one way or another, including those with specific disabilities.

Wellbeing can be promoted by other areas of your life, including:

– Ensuring you have a good work/life balance

– Getting enough sleep

– Having a strong network of friends and family and spending time with them

– Having someone to love and being loved

– Enjoying hobbies and pastimes

– Taking time to relax, having time to yourself

– Owning a pet

– Spending time outdoors

Fitness

Many definitions of fitness also mention health, as being fit usually does promote a

healthy lifestyle. However, fitness is about meeting the needs of the environment and is personal to each individual. For example, an elite athlete would have a high level of fitness, whereas someone who has recently given birth would have different expectations of their body and fitness levels.

Fitness is best promoted by a range of different kinds of exercise and movement, such as: cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, muscular power, agility, flexibility, balance, coordination, body composition, speed.

Conclusion

It’s helpful to have an awareness of the difference between health and fitness, an understanding of the various components of fitness, and the importance of promoting wellbeing and mental health.
 

Sources: https://www.cmsfitnesscourses.co.uk/blog/the-difference-between-health-and-fitness/