We all know that exercise, good nutrition, and taking care of your body as a whole, is an important aspect of life.
And we all know that we should probably be doing more of it.
But let's be honest with ourselves – sometimes, fitness can be really hard.
It sure does take some time, dedication, and effort to stay in shape, and sometimes it feels like a full-time job.
So is it worth it?
Is fitness something that we should be striving for every day, or can we relax a little bit and enjoy life, too, while reaping the benefits of a fitness-based lifestyle?
In this article, we'll discuss just that!
The Different Levels
Most people think that, in order to be fit, you have to devote every waking hour to training, eating well, and, perhaps worst of all, excluding toxic habits altogether.
But the truth is, it all depends on what level you're doing fitness at.
If you're just looking to stay in shape and don't have any aspirations of becoming a professional athlete, then a few hours a week is all you really need.
However, if you're aiming to compete at a high level, then you'll need to put in the time and effort required to reach that goal.
There's no right or wrong answer - it all comes down to what you want to get out of it.
Average Gym Enjoyer
For the average gym-goer, the thought of working out for hours on end can be daunting.
But the good news is, well, you don't need to spend all day at the gym to see results.
In fact, most experts recommend that non-professional trainees only work out hard for 3-5 hours per week.
And when it comes to cooking, you can get by with just 2-3 hours per week if your meal prep process is down to something optimized.
So, in reality, if you're looking to get in shape without making major lifestyle changes, these are (roughly) the numbers you should aim for.
That is, again, if you have no competitive goals.
Professional Athletes
The average gym-goer typically shows up a few days a week, puts in a solid hour of work, and then leaves feeling accomplished.
For the competitive athlete, however, fitness is much more than just a casual hobby.
It's a lifestyle.
These athletes are constantly training and working to improve their performance, whether we’re talking about bodybuilding or track and field athletes.
As a result, their diet, sleep schedule, and overall lifestyle revolve around their career.
For the competitive athlete, fitness is not something that can be done part-time.
It requires dedication and commitment 24/7.
This is precisely the difference we were talking about.
It’s Up To You.
There's no denying that being fit has its benefits. From improved cardiovascular function to a boost in confidence, there are plenty of reasons to hit the gym or go for a run.
But what if fitness could be more than just a part-time hobby? What if it could be a full-fledged career?
For some people, the idea of making a living by working out sounds like a dream come true.
After all, what could beat getting paid to do something that you love?
But the truth is that life in the fitness world is not really for everyone.
It takes more than just dedication and discipline to make it as a professional athlete or coach.
It takes a passion for the sport and a willingness to put in the hard work day after day.
So, if you're asking yourself whether or not fitness should become a full-time thing, the answer is: it depends on you.
If you're down to put in the time, effort, and dedication, then there's no reason why you can't turn your passion into a successful career.
But if you're just looking to reap the benefits of being fit, then, well, it's not necessary that you make it a full-time thing.
Only you can take the final decision on your goals.
Conclusion
Though the word “fitness” may conjure up images of endless training and cooking, the reality is much more different.
Whether or not fitness is a full-time thing largely depends on your goals!
So go ahead and set them, and work accordingly!