Why Do You Want To Be Fit?

How do fitness and being physically active impact our lives? And more importantly, why do we want to be fit in the first place? Learn more!

What is it that drives you to seek fitness? Is it the way you look and feel after a workout, radiating with energy and an inner glow?

Is it the sense of accomplishment you feel when you finally master that new move or achieve your goals?

Or is it something deeper – a connection to your authentic self, forged through movement and breath?

Whatever the reason, one thing is clear – being fit matters. And why wouldn’t it?

After all, when we’re fit, everything just seems to fall into place.

Life feels good on every level.

So let’s explore what fitness means to us – and how we can make it a lifelong habit.

External Validation

Some people go to the gym for the sake of being externally validated. They want to feel like people are noticing their progress and that they're becoming someone that is more physically appealing.

And well, while the modern day narrative will tell you that shouldn’t be the main reason to take care of yourself, it is in fact important for people for a number of reasons.

First, it can help people feel good about themselves. When people receive compliments or other forms of positive feedback from others, it can boost their self-esteem and make them feel better about themselves.

Second, external validation can help people feel like they belong. (this is the third primal human need, after survival and safety!). When people feel like they belong to a group or community, it can make them feel more connected and engaged.

Lastly, external validation can help people make better decisions. When people receive input from others, it can help them to better understand their options and make more informed decisions.

Self-Confidence

Some people go to the gym to train in order to have more self-confidence. For these people, the gym is not just a place to get physical exercise, but it is also a place to build that confidence and develop a positive outlook on life. They feel that if they can accomplish something physically, then they can transfer that success to other areas of their life.

They see the gym as a place where they can test their limits and boundaries and push themselves further than they thought possible. This type of training builds mental toughness and grit, qualities that are essential for success in any area of life.

Then there is the other layer of confidence. The one you develop between you and your body

Imagine this - you come home after a long day. Throughout the day, you’ve done a lot. Each and every part of your body is filled with blood and you’re energized. You take your clothes off before going to bed and you look into the mirror.

This is the ultimate in vulnerability that will display your self-confidence. Naked. Nothing on or around you to mask or hide anything. No fancy watches. No nice clothes. No expensive cars. No distractions. Just you and your body.

Now, imagine doing that regularly and seeing that you are looking better by the day. What kind of effect do you think all the hard work you put in and seeing the results you are earning would have on your level of self-confidence?

But Mostly… Procreation.

Now, last but not least, we just HAVE to talk about how things work in the brain.

The brain is constantly making judgments about the people we see around us, and one of the things it takes into account is physical fitness.

From an evolutionary standpoint, it makes sense that the brain would be wired to prefer mates who are physically fit and able to produce healthy offspring. After all, good genes are essential for survival, and a fit body is a sign of good genes.

Of course, not everyone is attracted to the same type of body, but the general preference for fitness is hardwired into our brains.

Perhaps, this is why each and every one of us subconsciously leans toward fitness…Because ultimately, we’re made up of trillions of cells, all working towards a common goal - procreation.

So, listen up… next time you see someone with a great body, remember that it's not just you - your brain is recognizing a prime mate!

Final Thoughts

People want to be fit for a variety of reasons. Some people want to feel better about themselves, others want to set an example for their children, and still, others want to improve their health.

No matter what the reason, there are countless benefits to being fit that can help improve our lives in many ways. So make sure to stick to your fitness habits and bring good health and a good shape way into your later years!

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Machines vs. Free Weights: A Comprehensive Look at Strength Training

February 10, 2025

The debate over the superiority of machines versus free weights in strength training has persisted for decades. If you’re searching for a personal trainer in Nashville to help you navigate your fitness journey, understanding the roles of both training methods is essential. Rather than viewing them as competing approaches, it's crucial to recognize how they complement each other in an effective workout program. Machines: A Controlled Environment Machines offer a structured and guided approach to resistance training, making them a staple in almost every gym. Their defining characteristic is the fixed path of motion, which stabilizes the weight and controls movement. This design simplifies strength training, making it accessible to a broad audience, including beginners and those recovering from injuries. For individuals new to personal training in Nashville TN, machines can provide a safe introduction to resistance training. They help users focus on primary muscle engagement without worrying about balance and stabilization. For example, performing a chest press on a machine allows users to isolate the pectorals and triceps without the additional challenge of stabilizing a free weight. However, the structured nature of machines can also be a limitation. Since they guide the user along a predetermined path, they may not accommodate natural joint movement, potentially leading to discomfort or reinforcing imbalances over time. Additionally, machines often bypass stabilizing muscles, which are crucial for functional strength and overall balance. Machines shine in rehabilitation settings, allowing targeted muscle engagement without overloading injured areas. They are also highly beneficial for bodybuilders focusing on muscle isolation. By eliminating the need for stabilization, machines enable lifters to apply greater intensity to specific muscle groups without compromising form. Free Weights: Freedom and Functionality Free weights—including barbells, dumbbells, and kettlebells—offer unrestricted movement in multiple planes, making them highly effective for building functional strength. This versatility makes them an excellent choice for athletes and individuals seeking fitness training in Nashville that translates to real-world activities. Unlike machines, free weights demand more from the user, engaging a broader range of muscles with every exercise. For example, a barbell squat not only strengthens the quadriceps and glutes but also recruits the core, back, and smaller stabilizing muscles to maintain proper posture and control. Free weights allow for greater flexibility in workout design, with countless variations of exercises that can be tailored to specific goals. However, this freedom comes with a steeper learning curve. Without proper guidance, improper technique can lead to injury. This is where working with personal trainers in Nashville TN can be invaluable. Free weights are particularly effective for compound lifts such as squats, deadlifts, and presses, which work multiple muscle groups simultaneously. However, they can be intimidating for beginners who struggle with form or balance. This is where combining machines and free weights strategically can be beneficial. The False Dichotomy The debate between machines and free weights often presents them as opposing choices, but the truth is they serve different purposes and can coexist within a well-rounded training program. The best approach isn’t about choosing one over the other, but about utilizing both based on individual goals, experience level, and training context. For beginners, machines build confidence and establish foundational strength. As they progress, incorporating free weights enhances balance, coordination, and functional strength. For advanced lifters, machines provide a means to isolate specific muscles after heavy compound lifts. For example, a well-structured leg workout might include barbell squats to develop overall strength and coordination, followed by machine-based leg presses to target the quadriceps with greater intensity once stabilizing muscles are fatigued. Beyond the Gym The discussion also extends beyond gym settings. Many proponents of functional fitness argue that free weights better prepare the body for everyday movements like lifting, carrying, and climbing stairs. These activities require the integration of multiple muscle groups, similar to free-weight exercises. But one thing I am steadfast in saying is that “a strong body is a functional body.” So, any form of training that has a progressive strength element to it should be viewed as “functional,” whether it be machine or free weights. Yet, not everyone trains with functional fitness as their primary goal. For bodybuilders focusing on muscle hypertrophy, machines provide an efficient way to target specific muscles without exhausting stabilizers. This makes them particularly useful for individuals working with personal trainers in Nashville who specialize in body recomposition and aesthetics. Conclusion The choice between machines and free weights isn’t about right or wrong—it’s about how each fits into a well-designed training program. Machines provide safety and simplicity, making them ideal for beginners and focused isolation work. Free weights offer versatility and what is viewed as a more functional strength development, challenging the body in ways that extend beyond the gym. Instead of viewing them as competing options, think of machines and free weights as complementary tools. A personal trainer in Nashville TN can help you develop a program that strategically integrates both, ensuring optimal results based on your fitness level, goals, and needs. By leveraging the strengths of each method, you’ll maximize muscle growth, minimize limitations, and create a sustainable training regimen for long-term success. If you’re looking for expert guidance on incorporating machines and free weights into your workout routine, consider working with personal training in Nashville TN. Contact me today to take the next step in your fitness journey !