Fitness Fundamentals
If your goal is to live a long and healthy life, then one sensible thing is to take a look at cultures that are set apart by their ability to live long and healthy lives. These areas are referred to as Blue Zones, and they are spread about the globe. The four confirmed Blue Zones are Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California, which is largely a Seventh Day Adventist community.
As you would expect; the values, daily living routines, and habits of Blue Zone people differ greatly from those of the typical American. The book Blue Zones is an awesome book that details the lifestyles of these cultures, and draws lessons that we can apply to our own lives. On the website BlueZones.com you can even take a little assessment that predicts your lifespan, and makes suggestions as to how to increase your life expectancy!
Regular exercise is a common staple in the Blue Zones. Typically, their exercise is out of necessity, and a part of most days. In each Blue Zone, walking is a significant part of this. After being cleared by a physician, it is a good strategy to embark on an appropriate exercise regimen. Having the time to exercise is typically a huge problem for us. After re-prioritizing things and re-managing time; setting up a little home gym may better allow exercise to fit into a busy schedule. A fitness professional can help you select appropriate equipment, and teach you how to exercise properly and most effectively.
The diets of these Blue Zones feature eating appropriate portions of unprocessed foods. Vegetables are emphasized and meat consumption is limited. There is a lot of misinformation out there in regards to; good eating habits, what constitutes a good diet, how to get sufficient nutrients, etc… Taking the time to do thorough research is a good thing, but it also is very good to consult a licensed dietician when able.
Blue Zone people typically have a strong sense of purpose that give them reasons for wanting and needing to stay alive; and within this purpose they are able to experience freedom, enjoyment, and fulfillment. Family and Faith are also very important to these people, and of course, these are often intertwined with their sense of purpose.
Times to slow down, unwind, and de-stress are also important features of the Blue Zone lifestyle. Many of us need to take a hard look at ourselves and our lives, to identify; values, priorities, and lack of time management that come against our ability to de-stress.
God has natural laws of health; sufficient sleep and exercise, good nutrition, and the prevention and elimination of stress. Blue Zone cultures respect these laws; but just as our society encourages us to be ok with promiscuity, violence and greed; it also makes it easy for us to accept an unhealthy lifestyle, that trivializes God's natural health laws. God is able to heal us of any damage that we do to our body, but He does not want us to put Him to the test by ignoring the laws that He put forth for our body's care. Just as Jesus knew not to jump from the pinnacle of the temple, and depend on God to send His angels to rescue Him (Matthew 4:5-7); we also must know to pray for the ability to properly care for our health, despite the distractions and temptations that face us daily. Click Wellness Ministry for a more thorough spiritual perspective.
