That’s the one phrase that has stuck with me since I graduated college. American College of Sports Medicine just came out with a great statement on the emphasis of your emergency preparedness plan. I was disappointed that the most important item of preparation was not in the list. Physical fitness as preparation for unforeseen emergency would be number one on my list. For without adequate conditioning, chances of survival in life-threatening conditions decrease.
The same professor who coined the simple phrase above actually preceded it with the following definition of physical fitness. “Fitness is the ability to carry out everyday tasks with vigor and alertness, without undue fatigue, and with ample energy to enjoy leisure and meet unforeseen emergencies.” In other words, “people who are fit can do more!” The last part of the definition is what stands out to me. If you were faced with the need to run fast to survive, could you do it? Could you move furniture if you needed to barricade a door? How about carry a 50 pound child 50 yards to safety from a house fire?
We hear reasons for staying physically fit such as weight loss, sports training, diabetes management and more. I dont think anyone has ever said to me “I need to get in shape just in case…” Regardless of your reasoning, we think that physical preparation for unforeseen emergencies should be a primary part of your emergency preparedness plan.
Health And Fitness Resources
American College of Sports Medicine
The Gold Standard in Health and Fitness Research and Exercise Physiology.
National Strength & Conditioning Association
Optimizing Performance The National Strength and Conditioning Association is the world leader in delivering scientific, peer-reviewed research about strength and conditioning.
The American Council on Exercise
The American Council on Exercise® is a nonprofit organization committed to enriching quality of life through safe and effective exercise and physical activity. As America’s Authority on Fitness, ACE protects all segments of society against ineffective fit
President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition
The President Council’s mission is to engage, educate, and empower all Americans to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and good nutrition.
Surgeon General
Lead healthier lives through better nutrition, regular physical activity, and improving communities to support healthy choices.
Endurance Sports Resources
USA Swimming
As the National Governing Body for the sport of swimming in the United States, USA Swimming is a 300,000-member service organization that promotes the culture of swimming by creating opportunities for swimmers and coaches of all backgrounds to participat
USA Triathlon
USA Triathlon is the sanctioning authority for more than 3,500 diverse events, ranging from grassroots to high-profile races nationwide. The organization works to create interest and participation in a variety of programs, including camps, clinics, races
