For several decades now, there has been a growing focus on fitness. However, there are some opinions that have changed along the way. Of course there is no denying that a healthy diet and plenty of exercise are vital to fitness, but that seems to be all that can be agreed upon with fitness “gurus” of the past.

Today’s thinking is radically different than it was even a generation ago and it can be safely said that along with everything else, fitness is evolving.

We Have Been Drowning Ourselves Needlessly

For years we have been told that the “magic number” for water is 64 ounces, or 8 glasses per day. Medical science has not established that this is really the answer, and has instead recommended that individuals be aware of their water.

According to Robert A. Higgins, PhD at the University of Connecticut, fluid needs are dynamic. Lifestyle factors weigh heavily into the amount of daily water consumption necessary to stay healthy.

For example, those with an active sex life, like those who live in hot climates, will need to drink more water than those who do not.

Dr. Higgins’ litmus test is to judge whether or not you are getting the right amount of water with what is being called the “Lemonade Test”. In other words, if your urine is darker than a glass of lemonade, it’s time for a glass of water. For anyone who has had trouble downing those eight glasses of water each day, this is welcome news indeed.

The Dangers of Smoking

Even a generation ago it was becoming more widely known that smoking was detrimental to your health, but many of the reasons were yet unknown. Many contributed the dangers to the nicotine in the tobacco but current research indicates that nicotine, in the larger scheme, is not as toxic as it was once held to be.

In fact, is the carcinogens that result from burning the tobacco that are a danger to your health…the fact that there are more than 4,000 chemicals emitted from a lit cigarette doesn’t help either.

Carcinogens

Many have taken to e-cigarettes because they are not burned and thus not “smoked”.

Many wonder if marijuana is a safer option. Is it really the nicotine burning that creates those toxic chemicals? Studies have yet to be completed on this issue but with pot going mainstream studies will likely follow.

Stay Open

From the amount of exercise you need to stay healthy to the types of exercise you should enjoy, the research being done is causing evolution in that arena as well. As science advances our understanding of just what it takes to get and stay healthy gets clearer.

Nearly everyone agrees that a healthy diet, plenty of rest, and exercise (along with lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking) can lead to increased fitness.

Bill is a freelance journalist who specialises in writing about culture and the arts, however will write about anything that piques his interest including business, travel and lifestyle. Find him on Twitter @BilboClark01