Strength. Speed. Endurance: which should it be?

There is a new debate on the internet. Should you have strength, should you be fast or should you have endurance?

So what should it be?

If you are confused about what these terms mean, let us first define them.

Strength could be defined as the ability to lift at least one time your body weight. Fast can be defined as the time you take to run one hundred meters. Endurance can be defined as the distance you can walk without giving up.

There are always going to be prophets who will push you in one or the other direction. Lift heavy, run fast, walk until you drop, the prophets will say.

So which should it be?

Forgive me for being trite, but you do need to choose.

You can’t be strong and fast, for example. Bodybuilders who have spent decades building muscles are not renowned for their endurance. Nor for their speed.

An endurance runner, while not a pushover for muscles, is lean, even skinny. But a powerhouse on a track and field event.

Even within those who can run, a 100 meter sprinter can’t do a marathon very well.

Their muscles are built differently.

So clearly, you can't have it all, not when it comes to physical fitness.

So, allow me to help you choose. Unless you have a specific goal, an event or competition that you want to excel in, you are probably best chasing endurance.

The ability to hike for a few hours, up and down a hill, without feeling like you are going to die. Now perhaps you are not there yet.

But remember, these are goals we are chasing.

If you have not already sworn allegiance to a prophet, chase endurance. Which is not to say you don't need strength or speed. You do.

But spending a disproportional amount of time on endurance will help you live a long, healthy life.

Reach out to me on twitter @rbawri Instagram @riteshbawriofficial and YouTube at www.youtube.com/breatheagain