Fit for the Family: How My Fitness Journey Became a Love Letter to My Loved Ones

Why Caring About Your Health Means Caring About Theirs

As the co-founder of Blended Athletics, a facility that emphasizes the holistic importance of fitness, I find myself in a unique position. Our gym cultivates a culture rooted in the philosophy of "pursuing excellence," promoting fitness as an indispensable daily habit for life's longevity. But what happens when our convictions diverge from those of our loved ones? What if you can't convince your family of the importance of daily movement? As a daughter whose dad suffers from chronic pain, I can attest that caring about your family's health is as crucial as caring for your own.

My husband and I opened Blended Athletics when we were in our mid-twenties, a decade ago. As you can imagine, the journey has been incredibly rewarding. And yet despite our credentials, conversations about health and fitness with loved ones are often met with a "yeah, but..." type of response, creating a difficult barrier to break.

Take my dad, for example. A workplace injury six years ago led to persistent low back, hip, and foot pain. This neglected pain has forced him to forgo walking on the golf course, an activity he once was totally capable of. Consequently, he now uses a cart.  However, I firmly believe that there's hope for my dad, and I am 98% sure this chronic pain can be helped. The journey towards healing might not be a quick one, and it could take an entire year of dedicated work. But it's a battle I believe would be worth fighting. 

By carefully and methodically reducing his weight, we could alleviate a significant amount of stress from his lower body. Paired with reducing the inflammation in his body, through proper diet, he could be on the path to feeling like his old self again. 

I believe getting his body moving again is crucial, and that means more than just a stroll around the block. It will take a personalized strength training and exercise routine, working with a professional trainer who understands his specific challenges. He could be back on the course, walking it just as he used to. Not only would this be a triumphant return to his favorite hobby, but it would also symbolize a victory over a pain that has limited him for too long.

Studies show that regular exercise, coupled with a balanced diet, offers a myriad of benefits. It uplifts our mood, strengthens our immune system, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. In the book "Outlive," Dr. Peter Attia states that 80% of North Americans spend their final decade battling one of the four horsemen of poor health: heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, or cancer. Beyond health, maintaining mobility ensures our happiness and independence remain intact as we age. The time for action is now—postponing our health commitments to "next week" is not an option.

Recently, I had a conversation with my brother about the proven longevity benefits of daily fitness. His response was, "You can't guarantee that." While he's correct that I can't promise added years to your life, my experience tells me something else that's equally important. In my ten years of owning a gym, I've yet to meet someone who wasn't happier because of their achievements in fitness and their ability to move their body. So, maybe I can't help you live longer, but daily activity can certainly help you live better. The quality of your years can be elevated, filled with vibrancy and a sense of accomplishment.

There's a pervasive notion that we should "love our bodies" just as they are, and I agree with that. But shouldn't true love for ourselves involve wanting the best for us? Shouldn't it mean striving for better health and a higher quality of life? As Max Westhead states in The Choice is Yours: Finding Freedom and Identity Through Fitness there are “too many chronic health issues that are solvable with exercise”.

For those who are at the beginning of their fitness journey, remember: "Keep pushing, stay focused, and every effort you put in brings you closer to your goals. Your determination to pursue your excellence will shape the direction of your journey."

Focusing on your health isn't a selfish act; it's an act of love towards yourself and those you care about. Whether you're getting back into shape or making dietary changes to combat chronic illnesses, every little effort counts. Your friends and family don't need you to be a superhero; they just need you to be there, in the best health possible, for as long as possible.