the connection between fitness and public health - why it matters

The two fields are more closely related than you might think.

As someone with one foot in both worlds, I frequently see the similarities between public health and the fitness industry. Both strive to help people live healthy, sustainable lifestyles. They focus on encouraging movement. In public health, we refer to movement as physical activity (usually), while fitness refers to it as exercise. But they both mean the same thing.

The primary difference? The scale looks different.

Personal trainers work with clients one-on-one to help them achieve their goals. Public health, on the other hand, focuses on communities as a whole. Think of a community health worker going to a health fair to promote a local walking program. Regardless of whether the impact is intended for one person or one community, the intended outcome is the same.

So if both worlds have the same end goal, why don't they speak to one another?

Sometimes they do. From a research perspective, it is not uncommon for public health, exercise, and nutrition experts to collaborate on studies. This helps contribute to the growing body of literature intended to inform how these programs are made and be most effective.

The gap exists when we work to implement what we know, and whether we effectively communicate our knowledge to each other.

As a public health researcher, I know that access to health services has a tremendous impact on living a healthy lifestyle. "Access" can mean affordability, geography, or time management. These issues are the primary barriers between someone knowing that they want to be healthy, but struggle with actually doing so from a fitness perspective. Your single mom of two may not be able to afford your services, but that does not mean she deserves to be any less healthy.

This is the type of scenario where public health practitioners and fitness experts can come together. It takes collaboration, partnerships, and effort on everyone's part. And the work is always 100% worth it, knowing someone can access resources they need to be healthy.

Connecting these worlds is a key component to what we do here at Nation of Strength. By providing free programs, we offer a starting point for people looking to be more active. In the future, the Nation will grow to expand its resources beyond programs to people working in this space as well.

As we get ready to launch the store inspired by the vision for Nation of Strength, we hope to use the funds to donate to research efforts, program development, and allocating resources to those in need. Bridging the gap between both worlds will be vital for this, and have a positive effect for people across the U.S.

Blessings to you all,

Erin