The 5 Components To Fitness

There are a lot of fads and gimmicks out there from different trainers, gyms and exercise techniques. Many focus on "having a sexy core", or building strength, or "being in great shape." Few; however, focus on all the components of fitness. I was recently out in Hartford and was approached by a guy who was doing CrossFit. It is a type of circuit training that uses some body weight movements and simple functional equipment like a bar, hanging rings, and medicine balls. He went on to rave about the system and kept telling me he was 36 yrs. old and in better shape than when he was 21 yrs. old. He even went so far as to say he was in the best shape of his life. The fact of the matter was he was "over fat." Although I did not check his body fat I could see he was not in the recommended body fat range. Whether CrossFit addresses nutrition or body fat percentage I do not know. I do know he was not in great shape and being over fat puts one at risk for diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, Americas #1 killer.

All complete exercise programs should contain five components:

1. Flexibility
2. Body Fat Percentage
3. Muscular Endurance
4. Muscular Strength
5. Cardiovascular Endurance

We are only as complete when it comes to health as our weakest link. It doesn't matter how great your car's motor is if the doors are missing. When you enroll in any fitness program does your gym's instructor or trainer assess your health? Do they complete and document any baseline tests for future comparison? Do they address the progress you are making and modifying the program as you go? If not you have the WRONG TRAINER or are at the WRONG GYM, or are using the WRONG FITNESS SYSTEM. If your trainer or gym just kicks your butt to the point of complete exhaustion or you have fun but see little results and are constantly sore or hurt, you need to come to Excel Fitness where we assess you before we workout, wouldn't it make sense for your trainer to know what your limits are so they can create a safe workout for you? Would your mechanic start working on your car's motor if the biggest problem was that it had no doors? At Excel we also assess your exercise form and address muscular imbalances and decreased ranges of motion. We re-evaluate your progress continually and we HAVE FUN TOGETHER. Safe, Fun and Effective.

Try us out for free and experience the difference. www.excelfitnessct.com

Train Smarter,