5 Lessons Complex Machinery Can Teach Us About Fitness

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The human body is more complex than many of the world’s most advanced machines. Let’s look at the circulatory system as an example. If every capillary, artery, and vein in your body were laid end to end, it would stretch around the equator of the Earth twice. That is approximately 60,000 miles of blood vessels. All that is crammed into a few square feet of space in an adult’s body. 

If you think about some of the most complex machines in the world, from microchips to computers to industrial equipment, they also consist of thousands of tiny parts and pieces that work together to perform the overall function. Since humanity has designed these machines, we have a strong understanding of how to build, repair, and maintain them. 

Many of the lessons we learn about maintaining complex machinery can be applied to physical health. Here are five lessons we can learn from machines about investing in personal fitness. 

Recognize the Signs of Decreased Performance

Let’s say you recently bought a new laptop for your remote job. Each workday, you spend hours typing away on that keyboard, opening apps, and running various programs. After several years, you notice that it takes a little longer for a program to open. The battery life is not lasting as long as it used to. These are signs that the laptop is losing performance. 

This is similar to the human body. The longer we use it, the more it degrades, especially as we get older. Climbing a stairway increases your breathing and heart rate more than usual. You wake up feeling more sore from the previous day. These are signs that your body’s performance is diminishing, so it may be necessary to take action. 

The Right Tools Are Necessary

If you run a service department for complex machinery, the right tools are essential to serve your clients. For example, if you are in the business of hydraulic cylinder repair, you can’t just rely on basic hand tools to do those jobs. You will need torque wrenches, a hoist for heavy objects, or a hydraulic cylinder repair table, all of which are specialized for these projects. Without these tools, you will waste hours on far more difficult labor. 

Fitness is much easier with the right tools. Home exercise equipment offers a variety of workouts for the body’s muscle groups. Running shoes make it easier to go long distances without damaging your ankles, shins, and knees. A Yoga mat provides a flat, non-slip surface for various stretches. The right tools can make your fitness journey more efficient and effective. 

Focus on Mobility

Many complex machines have thousands of moving parts. Think of a car and all its components that rotate, pivot, pump, and oscillate to make the vehicle move. One of the most important car maintenance practices is getting your oil changed. Oil is a crucial lubricant that prevents many of the engine’s moving parts from wearing down due to friction. 

This is analogous to joint mobility, flexibility, and hydration. Whenever bones intersect and move against each other, you need strong muscles and lubrication to maintain the health of those joints. Drinking plenty of water can help support the tissue that cushions and lubricates your joints. Consistent stretching ensures these moving parts maintain mobility. 

Proactive Maintenance is Key

If your home relies on the performance of certain appliances, preventive maintenance is the best way to care for your property. Think of a dryer in your laundry room. While many people remember to clean the lint trap after each load, lint can also accumulate elsewhere. If you do not vacuum the hard-to-reach gaps around the lint trap, the dryer could pose a fire hazard or lose its effectiveness. 

This type of maintenance can promote the machine’s longevity and safety. The same is true of the human body. Waiting until pain or a functional issue occurs may be too late to start maintaining fitness. You shouldn’t wait to start stretching until you experience lower back pain. The better option is to start stretching now and delay such aches. 

Use the Right Ingredients

Let’s go back to the car example. Most people understand that the right type of gas must be used for their vehicle. If you put diesel in a regular sedan, it could quickly screw up your engine’s functionality. The same applies to the type of oil you use to lubricate the engine. 

For the human body, you need the right ingredients to ensure your cells can do what they are supposed to do. Instead of the right gas and oil, you need the proper vitamins and minerals to maintain fitness. A healthy balance of whole grains, lean meats, nonfat dairy, fruits, and vegetables will provide the right ingredients for your body’s optimum performance. 

Machine and Body Maintenance Have Many Similarities

Maintaining a machine requires a deep understanding of how it works, the appropriate components, and proactive maintenance. These strategies will ensure that the machine is effective and durable. 

The same is true of our bodies. If you eat the right foods, prioritize mobility through stretching, use appropriate tools, and monitor signs of declining performance, you will be better equipped to maintain your fitness for many years. If you understand the basic methods for maintaining a complex machine, you can apply those principles to your physical health.