Everyone has a different definition of wellness - what wellness means to one person is often different from what it means to another. The Guelph Wellness Initiative recognizes that though each person may view wellness in a different light, there are very clear and understandable physical markers that indicate basic human health. As such, we have come up with 5 basic, objective criteria to begin measuring wellness. They are as follows:

Balance: The importance of good physical balance increases with age and muscle loss. A very simple, low impact test to measure a person's level of balance involves standing on one leg and timing the best of three attempts. Increasing good balance will help people avoid falls and reduce breakage, strains and damage to the body.

Blood Glucose: The main sugar manufactured by the body from the food we eat is called Glucose. Glucose is ingested and adsorbed directly into the blood stream and is used to provide energy to all cells in the body. Cells cannot, however, use this glucose without the help of insulin. A Blood Glucose meter is the most common method of testing glucose levels and provides important insight into obesity related diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

Blood Pressure: This is the pressure of the blood within the arteries, produced primarily by the contraction of the heart muscle. It is measured by a quick, painless test using a medical instrument called a sphygmomanometer. A typical blood pressure reading for an adult might be 118/78 mm Hg, but readings vary depending on age and other factors. Normal blood pressure is defined by a range of values.

Body Mass Index (BMI) including waist circumference: The BMI is a measure of a person's weight relative to their height. Due to its ease of measurement and calculation, it is the most widely used diagnostic tool to identify weight problems within a population - whether individuals are underweight, overweight or obese. Waist circumference measures abdominal fat only and is a good measurement of overall body fat composition. Combining these measurements, along with information on an individual's additional risk factors, reveals that individual's risk of developing obesity-associated diseases.

Flexibility: Flexibilty measures an individual's range of motion and stability. The Sit and Reach test is an important, low impact test that measures the flexibility of the lower back and hamstring muscles - important because tightness in this area is related to lumbar lordosis, forward pelvic tilt and lower back pain. Flexibility training helps to increase blood flow and reduce the risk of potential injuries.