In the context of fitness, body composition refers to the breakdown of your body into different elements like fat, organs, bone, muscle, and water. It’s a more detailed comprehensive measure of health and fitness than simply looking at body weight or the number on the scale. Even though that is very helpful information, looking into those elements can get very scientific and medical. The body’s health can also be attributed to other factors.
5 Crucial Components
There are five crucial components for a body’s health that might be easier to relate to. These components vary as to whether we have control over them or not. The components that we do have control over can make significant changes toward a healthy body.
Lifestyle – refers to daily living, our choices, and the habits we create.
- Exercise vs no exercise
- Sedentary vs active
- Eating healthy vs highly processed foods
Genetics – the study of genes and how they are inherited
- Family history
- High risk factors
Hormonal Changes – fluctuations in the levels of hormones or chemical messengers that regulate different bodily functions.
- Life stages (pregnancy, menopause)
- Monthly cycles
Aging – we all age and we do have some agency over how we age.
- Metabolism slows down-lift weights and stay active
- Lose muscle-build strength by weightlifting
- Store body fat-eat healthy, build muscle
- Skin elasticity-avoid UV exposure, stay hydrated, get sleep
Environmental Factors – external conditions, exposures, and influences in a person’s surroundings.
- Chemical exposure-plastic containers can interfere with hormonal health and the endocrine system
- Diet and nutrition-a balanced diet supports a healthy body, while poor nutrition contributes to chronic diseases, inflammation, and accelerated aging.
- Stress level-chronic stress can trigger psychological responses and imbalances once again disrupting hormonal health and the endocrine system.
Thinking of the above that we can control, what of the 5 crucial components for a body’s health, resonates with you? Which ones did you connect with? Being mindful about them can create impact on the body’s health.