The Difference Between Health, Wellness, and Fitness

by | Mar 8, 2023 | Insights, Personal Training

You probably hear the terms health, wellness, and fitness used interchangeably, but the three have distinct differences. But one can argue that the best state of well-being comes when all three are in balance and working together. EIM Personal Training in Mountain Brook can help you achieve your greatest level of all three. 

The Difference Between Health, Wellness, and Fitness

Health, wellness, and fitness are three terms often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. While all three are related to overall well-being, each term refers to a different aspect of wellness. Understanding the difference between these terms is crucial for anyone looking to improve their overall health and well-being. In this blog, we will explore the meanings of health, wellness, and fitness and how they differ from each other.

Wellness vs. Fitness 

Wellness used to be a term reserved for health food stores and vitamin commercials, but recent culture has changed how the word is used. At a time when schedules are packed with balancing work and life, everyone is searching for the best balance, and the wellness industry is thriving as a result. Wellness refers to the balance of a spectrum of health-related elements. Most wellness wheels or spectrums represent 6 or 7 areas of wellness, including spiritual, social, financial, intellectual, emotional, physical, and environmental. 

Fitness specifically refers to physical health. While fitness is certainly an important aspect of wellness, there is more to achieve to be balanced than just fitness alone. Starting a fitness program is often the first step to achieving that balance they seek. Once healthy fitness habits are developed, many often have the desire to explore other areas of wellness. A personal trainer can help you develop fitness habits and can also support you in your wellness journey. A good personal trainer will also have a network of referrals to support your wellness journey in the financial, emotional, and spiritual areas as well. 

Fitness vs. Health

As mentioned above, being physically fit and healthy are two different states. One can be physically healthy but not fit, and vice versa. Also, like above, the best benefits are found when there is a healthy balance between the two. 

The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Fitness is defined as a set of attributes a person has or wants to achieve that relates to the ability to perform certain activities. Fitness is made of many components, including: 

    • Endurance 
    • Stamina 
    • Strength 
    • Flexibility 
    • Power 
    • Speed 
    • Coordination 
    • Accuracy 
    • Agility 
    • Balance 

The two work together. If a person eats nothing but fast food, all of the exercises in the world can’t correct the damage done by unhealthy eating habits. Health is only achieved from a lifestyle that supports healthy habits, and exercise can be one of those habits. Working with a personal trainer can help you craft goals for your health and fitness journeys. 

EIM Personal Training: Your Partner in Your Health, Wellness, and Fitness Journey 

If you’re looking to start a health, wellness, or fitness journey in Mountain Brook, Alabama, EIM Personal Training is your premier partner. Our personal trainers are certified experts in physiology and anatomy. Our clients are a diverse group of people with different health, wellness, and fitness goals in mind. Contact us today to set up a consultation and set up private or semi-private personal training sessions. 

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