Why Relative Fitness Is a Better Measure of Health Than Just Fitness
As a society, we are obsessed with the concept of fitness. We are constantly bombarded with advertisements and social media posts promoting the latest fitness trends and fad diets. However, is traditional fitness really the best measure of health?
While traditional fitness measures such as body mass index (BMI) and cardiorespiratory fitness are important, they are limited in their ability to give us a complete picture of an individual’s overall health. This is where the concept of relative fitness comes in.
What is Relative Fitness?
Relative fitness is the measure of an individual’s fitness level in comparison to their peers. This measurement takes into account age, gender, and other relevant demographics. By comparing an individual’s fitness level to that of others in their demographic, we can determine how fit they are relative to their peers.
Why is Relative Fitness Important?
Relative fitness is important because it gives us a more accurate measure of an individual’s overall health. For example, a person with a higher BMI may be considered “unfit” by traditional fitness measures, but if they are in the same fitness range as their peers in the same demographic group, then they may actually be quite healthy.
Moreover, a person who is very fit but performs poorly compared to individuals in their same demographic group may be at a higher risk for certain health issues. For instance, a fit 70-year-old who performs poorly compared to their peers in the same age range may be at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease than a less fit 70-year-old who performs above average for their demographic.
The Advantages of Using Relative Fitness
There are several advantages to using relative fitness as a measure of health. First and foremost, it provides a more accurate representation of an individual’s overall health. By taking into account demographics and different physiological variables, we can get a more complete picture of someone’s fitness level.
Another advantage of using relative fitness is that it can help motivate individuals to make lifestyle changes. If someone is within their demographic’s average fitness level, they may be less inclined to take steps to improve their health. However, if they are below average, they may be more motivated to make changes to improve their fitness level and overall health.
Examples of Relative Fitness in Action
There are several examples of how relative fitness is being used in health and wellness research and in the medical field. For instance, a study published in the European Heart Journal found that a person’s performance on a relative fitness test was a better predictor of mortality risk than traditional fitness measures such as BMI or the results of a stress test.
Another example of relative fitness in action is in the development of exercise prescriptions for patients with chronic conditions. By taking into account a patient’s demographic information and relative fitness level, doctors can create exercise programs that are tailored to the individual’s needs and limitations.
Conclusion
While traditional fitness measures are important, they are limited in their ability to give us a complete picture of an individual’s overall health. Relative fitness, which takes into account age, gender, and other demographic variables, is a better measure of overall health. By using relative fitness as a measure of health and wellness, we can get a better picture of someone’s fitness level and improve their overall quality of life through targeted lifestyle changes.
