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REAL WORKOUTS |
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The Fitness Theory of Relativity The Theory Even though we may have never taken a physics class, most of us are aware of Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity formula, E=mc2 or, put in words, Energy (sum of kinetic and rest energy) equals mass multiplied by the speed of light squared. It was presented in a paper written by him in 1905 titled “Does the inertia of a body depend upon its energy-content?” The concept is that any mass has an associated energy and that any energy has an associated type of mass. The Relevance What’s the relevance of the theory of relativity if you have no interest in quantum, astral, nuclear or any other type of physics? Your interest is physical fitness therefore you are dealing with your own energy, kinetic and rest, your body mass and your speed/intensity of training. The Question Einstein’s paper asks, “Does the inertia of a body depend upon its energy content?” It certainly seems it does! An inert body, Joe Couch Potato, has plenty of mass from body fat and has very little energy to expend. Jon Bodybuilder has plenty muscle mass and exerts lots of kinetic energy in his training. Muscle mass uses energy, body fat is energy storage. Even if Joe and Jon have the same body weight, their ‘mass’ is of a different composition or energy content. The Difference In 1905 Einstein wasn’t thinking of healthy diets, lifestyles or the human body’s mass or energy production, yet the analogy works. In more relative fitness terms, this difference in composition (expressed by body comp and body fat percentage) effects your metabolism (energy usage). Your resting metabolism uses more energy (fuel, i.e., calories!) when you are physically fit. Joe’s mass has an associated physical energy that is low. Jon’s mass has a high associated energy, even in his moments of inertia. The Challenge Scientifically, one way to convert all rest-mass to usable energy is to annihilate matter with antimatter, but antimatter must be made, protons and neutrons must be converted. Joe, however, doesn’t need a nuclear reactor to change his mass, he just needs to decide to do so and follow a healthy diet and exercise program. He may have neither the time nor the desire to be a bodybuilder like Jon, but he can make noticeable changes to his body composition by following a sensible diet and exercise routine.
The Answer Everyone’s fitness capabilities, needs and goals are different. Determining yours sensibly and being consistent are crucial to achieving your relative level of peak health and fitness.
Written By: Lynne Campbell, cpt |
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LYNNE CAMPBELL, CPT |