Wellness is a multidimensional state of being describing the existence of positive health in an individual as exemplified by quality of life and a sense of well-being.
More than 50 years ago the World Health Organisation defined health as more than freedom from illness, disease, and debilitating conditions (WHO, 1947). The suggestion by the World Health Organisation that health had a positive component led to the use of the term ‘wellness’.
Wellness, as characterised by well being and quality of life, is now considered to be a state of being; although some early definitions described wellness as a way of life. Individuals who had behaviours which were considered to be “good for you” were characterised as being ‘well’. There are some individuals, and even organisations, that cling to the notion that wellness is ‘what you do’. Nevertheless, the emerging consensus of experts suggests that wellness is a state of being, suggesting that “positive health pertains to the capacity to enjoy life and to withstand challenges”. Healthy lifestyles are merely ways of promoting wellness. They are not descriptors of wellness.
Wellness is multidimensional. The most commonly described sub-dimensions are physical (body), social, intellectual, emotional (mind) and spiritual. There is a general agreement that none of the sub-dimensions exists as a separate state of being. Rather, each sub-dimension relates to all others, and as one is affected, so are all others. In this way, factors such as healthy behaviours and healthy environments influence all dimensions.
There is considerable evidence that physical fitness, and the behaviours that build it, can reduce the risk of illness and premature death, and can enhance one’s ability to participate in leisure activity. However, both health and wellness are much broader terms than physical fitness. Poor health can occur even in highly fit individuals due to factors such as hereditary conditions, or bacterial/viral infections.
BodyTech has evolved from a gym - a place where a member can address the physical sub-dimension - to a place where the individual can address the Body (physical), Mind (intellectual and emotional) and Spirit. BodyTech aims to educate members about wellness through provision of an environment which allows them to exercise regularly while also ‘making a habit of relaxation’.
At BodyTech we are facilitators/coaches. In this role we are promoting healthy behaviours (strength training, yoga, tai ji, sauna, steam, and spa treatments…) that will enable a member to take the journey towards wellness.
This is a summary taken from the article, “Toward a Uniform Definition of Wellness: A Commentary” (Presidents Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Research Digest, 3:15, Dec 2001.)
Fitness refers to the ability of the human body to function with vigour and alertness, without undue fatigue, and with ample energy to engage in leisure activities, and to meet specific physical stresses placed upon it. For example, an Olympic runner is ‘fitter’ than an individual beginning a long distance training program, as their ability to perform the specific activity and cope with the stresses involved is superior.
While the terms are related, there are specific differences between them. Looking at the above definitions of wellness and fitness, you can see that they refer to an individual’s physical, emotional, and mental state at a given point in time. Fitness is primarily concerned with a person’s ability to function to a necessary level physically and mentally, and health is the state of wellbeing of an individual.
Wellness is a more holistic and in-depth concept than fitness and health, and in fact encompasses the two. Wellness involves taking responsibility for your individual wellbeing in all areas, and making healthy decisions so that balance is maintained. If a person can do this, good health and fitness is an inevitable result.