We all know how crucial men's health andfitness are, but many people struggle with the traditional ways of keeping inshape. Hitting the gym daily and pumping iron for hours on end might be somepeople's idea of fun - but the approach doesn't work for everyone.
That's why holistic approaches to men'sfitness and longevity are becoming integral in the battle to end obesity andprevent complications from a lack of exercise.
In this guide, we'll explore how you can getout of the gym and revamp your fitness regime.
Why gyms aren't always the best approach to fitness
While the fitness industry continues to grow,many people don't enjoy hitting the gym regularly. In fact, a US study foundthat 50% of people find working out around other people intimidating, leadingto them avoiding exercise.
Yes, gyms offer numerous benefits, but theysuit people who love exercise and thrive in a busy environment. For the averageindividual, a daily trip to the gym might be a stressful experience, but newresearch sheds light on what constitutes healthy.
The bluezone research
For a long time, we've believed that peoplewho regularly run marathons and spend hours in the gym are healthier, butresearch into life expectancies contradicts long-held beliefs.
People in Mediterranean countries such asGreece and Italy tend to have the highest life expectancy, and many don'tpartake in traditional workouts.
As Quartz reports,they perform daily activities and have a lifestyle that naturally incorporatesfitness. Whether through gardening or taking long walks in the sunshine,holistic approaches to fitness can be more beneficial than traditional exerciseregimes.
Next, we'll explore how a holistic approach tofitness works.
Holistic approaches to men's fitness
The best thing about taking a holisticapproach to your fitness is finding activities you enjoy and naturallyincorporating them into your life. Not only does this mean you can enjoy theexperience, but it also allows you to revamp your fitness.
Let's take a look at some popular holisticfitness methods.
Mind-bodyworkouts
One of the most popular exercise methods iscombining spiritual activities with physical movement. Yoga and Pilates promoteflexibility while toning your muscles and reducing stress, but some people findthe movements too complicated.
Instead, Tai Chi is a great alternative forolder people and those with mobility issues. Tai Chi promotes better postureand reduces the risks of arthritis, but it's also beneficial for cardiovascularhealth.
You can start your journey by learning some basic Tai Chi movements at home or finding a local class.
Nutritionalsupport
Many men embark on a fitness regime to loseweight, but the 80/20 rule applies here. The common belief is that you can loseweight by focusing on your diet and introducing exercise.
Eating the right combination of foods andstaying within your recommended calorie limit can help you lose weight andavoid the negative implications of obesity.
Once you find the proper weight managementsupport, monitoring your nutrition and following a bespoke diet plan is moremanageable.
Get outdoors
Why spend time in a noisy and sweaty gym whenyou can enjoy the great outdoors? There are many places to enjoy gettingactive, including long walks in the country and cycling on nature trails.
Nature exposure can reduce stress and help youfeel at ease, making it an excellent way to recharge and enjoy being active. Ifyou have a dog, it's also a great way to get outdoors and explore new areas.
Find yourpeople
Going to the gym might not be the right fitfor you, but there are other group activities you can explore. For example,some people join walking groups, which enables them to meet new people whilealso getting active.
You could also join a local sports team andmeet people who share your interests, which gives you the opportunity tosocialise, making it easier to enjoy working out.
Functionalfitness
Functional fitness is a training methodologyfocusing on real-life movements instead of traditional exercises. Thesemovements are similar to daily actions; many men find functional fitness easierto maintain.
For example, functional fitness focuses onlunges and activities incorporating entire muscle groups instead of running ona treadmill.
Finding time to perform these exercises iseasier and can positively impact your overall health and longevity.
Self-care
If your mind isn't working, your body willstruggle too. For example, people who deal with stress or anxiety might findthey have no motivation to exercise, leading to weight gain and unhealthyeating patterns.
Self-care is critical to holistic fitness, andfinding time to focus on your needs can make you more proactive. Popularexamples of self-care include setting time aside for hobbies you enjoy andspending time with your loved ones.
Anything that helps you relax and focus is agreat way to unwind and give your brain a rest.
Rest andrecovery
Holistic fitness also promotes rest andrecovery instead of constant training. Setting time aside for yourself andensuring you get enough sleep every night is vital to longevity. If you don'thave time to recharge, getting back into your fitness regime is harder.
Regular massages can also help relax your bodyand mind while helping your muscles recover after any exercise.
The bottom line
Getting out of the gym and into a holisticfitness approach can help you enjoy long-term results from your exerciseroutine. The key things to remember are:
● Make time for yourself and focus on yourneeds.
● Feel free to try new things, such as joiningsports clubs or exploring Tai Chi.
● Look at your sleeping patterns and makechanges to ensure at least seven hours a night.
● If you need support, get a health coach tohelp you identify problems with your fitness regime and teach you aboutholistic approaches.
● Remember to enjoy nutritious foods and fuelyour body with fruit, vegetables and proteins.
Once you get into a routine, you can enjoy thelong-term benefits of holistic fitness, resulting in a happier and healthierlifestyle.
