Jul 22, 2024

 by Dree McNear

Being Fit for Your Family and Your Life

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's easy to overlook the importance of our health. But when we think about our loved ones, our perspective shifts. Being fit and healthy is not just about us; it's about being there for the people who depend on us, who love us, and who look up to us. At Deathproof CrossFit, we believe that fitness is a commitment to your family and your life.

Think about the times you've spent with your family, the laughter, the joy, the moments that make life worth living. Now, imagine being able to enjoy those moments to the fullest because you're in the best shape of your life. When you're fit, you have the energy to play with your kids, the stamina to go on adventures with your partner, and the vitality to enjoy every precious moment.

Fitness isn't just about lifting weights or running miles; it's about enhancing your quality of life. It's about waking up each morning feeling strong and capable, knowing that you can take on whatever the day throws at you. It's about being the role model your children look up to, showing them the importance of taking care of their bodies.

Your health directly impacts your family's well-being. When you're fit, you're less likely to suffer from chronic illnesses, meaning fewer hospital visits and more time spent with your loved ones. You become a source of inspiration, encouraging them to adopt healthier lifestyles. Your commitment to fitness can spark a positive change in your family, creating a ripple effect that promotes well-being for generations to come.

Ask yourself:

How would your family feel if you could keep up with them during all activities?

What if your children saw you as their hero, not just for what you do but for how you take care of yourself?

How many more years of happiness could you share with your loved ones if you prioritize your health now?

My fitness journey started when my mother was still alive, suffering the end stages of Huntington's disease. I was in my early 20s, knowing that my chances of the same fate were a coin flip. Her neurologist looked me in the eyes and said, "If you are a gene carrier, the best thing you can do to stave off this disease is exercise with intensity." I took it to heart. I started "jogging" and joined a gym. First, I jogged a block, walked a block, and built up from there. I mixed in weights and yoga 5 days a week.

Within a couple of years, I started doing mini-triathlons and half marathons. Within a couple of years of that, I had completed an Ironman, several half Ironman races. I organized the first charity team with Huntington's Disease Society of America and the NYRR and ran the NYC Marathon. I also did a couple of ultra-marathons. These experiences have been transformative, and the shared adventures with my partner, Jase, have created unforgettable memories. He doesn't look at me like I'm crazy when I say, "Let's hike the Grand Canyon rim to rim" or "Wanna go for a 100-mile bike ride?" Those shared experiences are ones you will never forget.

The Consequences of Neglecting Health

Choosing to neglect your health has serious consequences. Imagine a future where you're unable to play with your children, go on adventures with your partner, or even take care of yourself. Chronic illnesses, hospital visits, and a diminished quality of life become the norm. Is this the future you want for yourself and your family? Would you do this to your loved ones?

CrossFit introduces the Sickness-Wellness-Fitness Continuum, a powerful framework that shows how fitness can improve your overall health. On this continuum, sickness represents poor health, wellness is a neutral state, and fitness is the pinnacle of health. By striving for fitness, you move away from sickness and towards a life full of vitality and well-being.

Sickness: Chronic illnesses, low energy, poor physical and mental health. This stage represents a state of disease, where daily activities become challenging, and quality of life diminishes.

Wellness: A neutral state of health, where one is free from illness but not necessarily fit. This stage represents an absence of disease, but not an optimal state of health. It's where many people find themselves, managing to get by but not thriving.

Fitness: Optimal health, high energy, robust physical and mental well-being. This stage represents peak physical condition, where you can take on life's challenges with ease, enjoy activities with your loved ones, and live a vibrant, fulfilling life.

Fitness is a proactive approach to health, one that ensures you can enjoy life to the fullest. It's not just about avoiding sickness; it's about embracing a lifestyle that promotes physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Change begins with a single step. It’s time to ask yourself:

What are you waiting for?

How much longer will you let excuses hold you back?

Isn't it time to invest in yourself and your family's future?

Being fit for your family and your life is a journey worth embarking on. It's a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and the undeniable joy of knowing you're doing something incredible for the people you love.