UNITY

Today, I'll continue to interpret an American value into a health and fitness lesson.
This is fun!

Let's delve into the word "unity"...

Unity is defined as "the condition of being joined together as one", "a harmonious mutual understanding", or "the common interests among members of a group".
Unity means being a part of something bigger than yourself.

But let's spin it in a different way.

For many people, unity means... believing what everyone else in a group says, without question - just because you're a part of that group.

For example:
If your family teaches you to believe that fruit juice and baked chips is an incredibly healthy snack, then you can join in on their united front and blindly believe it too.

If everyone you know gives you the advice that long, slow cardio is the ultimate tool for fat loss, then you can also harmoniously agree to abide by this idea without question.

If you're a citizen of the US of A, you can have unquestionable faith in the American government and you can choose to believe the media's take on "reality" - simply because everyone else around you thinks this way.

This, my friends, is the downside of unity.

Being united with others is an important, beneficial thing. It makes you feel like you belong and gives you something to stand for. Plus, the support of a unified group can be priceless.

But remember to think for yourself.

Don't believe everything that you hear - even from a united group.

Exercise your right to question a statement.
Don't just accept everything you're told.
Educate yourself and make the best choices possible.

Especially with fitness and nutrition...
You need to know that not everything you hear or believe is actually true.
If something challenges what you've been taught, don't just write it off as incorrect.
Learn, and be willing to try new things - especially when there's proof that something works!

So, the lesson today?
Value the united groups you have in your life.
But don't think that you need to be identical to those groups.
Question everything you can in life... think for yourself!

Oh, and don't be afraid to try the exercise and nutrition techniques I preach about... even if they're unfamiliar!