Wellness and Fitness Programs

Within the last decade, society has clearly begun to recognize the importance of a lifestyle as a vehicle moving the individual toward or away from behavior that is beneficial to health. The process of the individual’s taking responsibility for realizing his or her maximum health potential is referred to as wellness. Wellness takes into consideration the multidimensionality and interrelationships of a person’s existence and being. Physical fitness, proper nutrition and diet, positive self-image and social relationships, and the ability to take responsibility for self-care are interwoven and integral to maximizing the potential to live life to its fullest. This chapter will discuss the interrelationship of wellness and fitness in occupational rehabilitation and present the elements of a program for occupational fitness.