Wellness Programs Vs. Traditional Fitness

Living a healthy lifestyle is essential for good health. As overweight and obesity rates have soared in the United States, so too have the associated economic costs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that related health costs have soared to $147 billion annually. To combat the health issues surrounding this epidemic, organizations have created wellness programs that incorporate the concepts of traditional fitness in creative ways to help people control their weight and live healthier lives.

What Are Wellness Programs?

Employers often provide wellness programs to help motivate employees and reduce their costs due to employee absenteeism. Kaiser Health News estimates that loss of productivity due to employees being overweight or obese costs American employers more than $45 billion annually. Wellness programs, therefore, are a sound investment for businesses. Other organization such as schools or communities may also offer wellness programs such as smoking cessation or exercise programs. These programs may focus on specific population groups or organizations.

Benefits of Wellness Programs

Wellness programs offer participants support of other members in similar situations. For some individuals, this can be extremely motivating. Others may appreciate the structure that wellness programs offer. Boredom and lack of support are common barriers to exercise, explains Mayo Clinic. A structured wellness program may be just what some people need to overcome misgivings they have about beginning an exercise plan.

History of Traditional Fitness

Traditional fitness was not always a part of modern culture. In 1953, British scientist Jerry Morris published findings showing a link between lack of activity and coronary heart disease. This evidence formed the basis for traditional fitness programs. In the beginning, the focus remained on activity. Unlike many wellness programs today, a holistic approach to healthy living was not part of the original mindset, but to its credit, Morris's program was groundbreaking for the time. Today's wellness programs have benefited from subsequent research that built upon these principles.

Traditional Fitness Programs

The advantage of traditional fitness plans is that you can customize your workouts for your needs and fitness level. Anyone can start her own traditional fitness plan. Some people may prefer these programs because they provide a means to track exercise time and progress from following a set of defined exercises and sets. Unlike wellness programs, motivation comes from within. Traditional fitness often includes a set routine of exercises or circuit training. Timed cardio activities such as biking or jogging complete these programs. The advantage of traditional fitness programs is that you can easily incorporate the three essential components of a fitness plan by including strength training, aerobic exercise and stretching.