Staying physically active is one of the most powerful things you can do for your body, mind, and longevity. Fitness isn’t just about hitting the gym or achieving a certain look—it’s about movement, strength, flexibility, and energy that supports your overall quality of life.
Only People With Perfect Color Vision Can Read These Words
Have you ever taken one of those color vision tests? They’re used to determine if you have color vision deficiency, a condition that’s usually inherited. If you have poor color vision, your ability to see the difference between specific colors is lessened. You may have one of the four types of color blindness!
People with color vision deficiency do not always know they have it! Usually, people find out in real-life situations, such as pulling up to traffic lights and not knowing exactly what colors are showing. Most commonly, people affected by the four types of color blindness see different shades of red and green and/or different shades of blue and yellow.
What is true color blindness?
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Although many people equate color vision deficiency with color blindness, true color blindness actually describes someone who only sees in shades of black and white — which is rare. But here’s a quick to help determine whether you have a color vision deficiency or not. Only people with perfect color vision who aren’t impacted by any of the four types of color blindness can read these eight words without hesitation! Can you? We’ll give you the answers at the end of the article.
Interestingly, while individuals with color blindness may struggle with distinguishing shades of blue from other colors, blue itself is often a color they can perceive relatively well. This is because blue is detected by different receptors in the eye compared to red and green, which are the colors most affected by color blindness. Therefore, blue can sometimes serve as a reference point or anchor for those with color vision deficiencies.
2. Can you see the green word?
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Some individuals may perceive green accurately while struggling with other colors. Green’s prominence in nature and its frequent use in signals and signage mean that color-blind individuals often develop strategies to navigate its various shades, relying on context cues or alternative visual information to interpret its significance.
3. Can you see the purple word?
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For individuals with red-green color blindness, purple may appear closer to blue or red, depending on the specific deficiency. Similarly, those with blue-yellow color blindness may have difficulty perceiving the red component of purple, causing it to appear more blue. Despite these challenges, the distinctiveness of purple in many contexts, along with surrounding cues, can aid color-blind individuals in identifying it, albeit with potential variations in perception compared to those with normal color vision.
4. Can you see the pink word?
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Pink may appear duller or closer to gray, especially in contexts where it’s not clearly distinguished from red. However, because pink is often used in distinct contexts, such as clothing, branding, or signage, individuals with color vision deficiencies can often rely on contextual cues to identify it. Despite potential difficulties, variations in brightness and surrounding colors can help differentiate pink from its surroundings, assisting color-blind individuals in recognizing its presence.
One fascinating aspect of color blindness and blue perception lies in its role as a reference point for those with color vision deficiencies. While individuals with red-green color blindness struggle with distinguishing between these colors, blue is often perceived accurately due to its detection by different receptors in the eye.
6. Can you see the orange word?
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Depending on the specific deficiency, orange may appear either yellow or red. The similarity in the components of orange to those of red and yellow can lead to confusion in perception. However, contextual cues, such as brightness or surrounding colors, can often aid color-blind individuals in identifying orange, albeit with potential variations in hue compared to those with normal color vision. Despite these challenges, the distinctiveness of orange in many contexts, such as traffic signs or fruit, ensures that color-blind individuals can navigate and interpret its significance effectively.
7. Can you see the purple word?
Image Credit: BuzzFeed
Color blindness, particularly affecting red and blue perception, can offer intriguing insights into how individuals perceive purple. As purple is essentially a combination of red and blue, individuals with red-green color blindness may struggle to differentiate it from other colors, perceiving it as closer to blue or red depending on the specific deficiency.
8. Can you see the red word?
For individuals with this type of color blindness, red may appear duller or darker, or it may be mistaken for other colors, such as brown or green. This can have significant implications in various aspects of daily life, such as interpreting traffic signals or identifying ripe fruits. Despite these challenges, individuals with color blindness often develop strategies to navigate their surroundings, relying on contextual cues or alternative visual information to compensate for their deficiency in perceiving red.
Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to deepen your current routine, understanding the benefits and how to tailor activity to your lifestyle is key to staying consistent, motivated, and healthy.
🧠 Why Physical Activity Matters
Regular physical activity has proven benefits for nearly every system in the body, including the brain, heart, bones, muscles, and immune system.
✅ Physical benefits:
Improves cardiovascular health
Builds and maintains muscle mass and bone density
Supports weight management
Boosts energy and endurance
Enhances flexibility, mobility, and posture
✅ Mental and emotional benefits:
Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression
Improves sleep quality
Boosts mood and self-confidence
Increases focus and mental clarity
Stimulates the release of endorphins (feel-good chemicals)
Even small amounts of daily activity can lead to significant long-term improvements in health.
🏃♀️ Types of Physical Activity
Different types of movement provide different benefits. A balanced fitness routine ideally includes a mix of these:
1. Cardiovascular (Aerobic) Exercise
Boosts heart and lung function, endurance, and calorie burn.
Examples:
Brisk walking
Jogging or running
Cycling
Swimming
Dancing
Jump rope
Group classes (Zumba, HIIT)
💡 Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week.
2. Strength (Resistance) Training
Builds muscle, supports metabolism, and improves joint stability.
Examples:
Bodyweight exercises (squats, push-ups, planks)
Free weights or resistance bands
Weight machines
Pilates or barre
💡 Do strength training at least 2 times per week for all major muscle groups.
3. Flexibility & Mobility
Improves range of motion, posture, and reduces injury risk.
Examples:
Static and dynamic stretching
Yoga
Tai chi
Foam rolling
💡 Incorporate stretching or mobility work daily or after workouts.
4. Balance & Functional Training
Especially important for older adults, helps with fall prevention and coordination.
Examples:
Standing on one leg
Balance board or stability ball exercises
Functional fitness circuits (like squats, step-ups, or kettlebell movements)
💡 Try to include balance exercises 2–3 times per week.
📝 How to Start a Fitness Routine
Starting (or restarting) a fitness routine can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how to get started safely and effectively.
✅ 1. Set Clear, Realistic Goals
Focus on progress, not perfection.
“I want to walk 20 minutes a day.”
“I’ll go to a strength class twice a week.”
“I want to feel more energetic and sleep better.”
Make your goals SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
✅ 2. Start Small and Build Gradually
Don’t try to overhaul your lifestyle in one week. Begin with what feels manageable:
10-minute walks after meals
One strength training session per week
Morning stretches to loosen your body
Consistency beats intensity in the beginning.
✅ 3. Find Activities You Enjoy
The best exercise is the one you’ll stick with.
Do you like being outdoors? Try hiking or biking.
Prefer structure? Join a class or use fitness apps.
Love music? Try dance workouts or rhythm cycling.
Enjoyment is key to long-term success.
✅ 4. Schedule It Like an Appointment
Put workouts on your calendar just like work meetings or doctor visits.
Morning routines work for some; others thrive in the evening.
Even 15–30 minutes is beneficial when done regularly.
Consistency builds habit.
✅ 5. Listen to Your Body
Rest and recovery are part of fitness.
Include rest days to let muscles rebuild
Watch for signs of overtraining: fatigue, insomnia, soreness
Stretch, hydrate, and fuel your body well
⚙️ Overcoming Common Fitness Barriers
“I don’t have time.” – Try 10-minute workouts throughout the day. Use lunch breaks or early mornings.
“I’m not fit enough to start.” – You don’t need to be in shape to begin. Start at your own level. Modify exercises as needed.
“I hate the gym.” – Home workouts, walking outdoors, group classes, or online videos offer plenty of alternatives.
“I lose motivation.” – Track your progress. Work out with a friend. Try new activities every few weeks to keep it fresh.
🧘 Mind-Body Connection and Stress Relief
Exercise isn’t just about the physical—it also benefits your mental well-being.
Practices like:
Yoga: Combines movement, breath, and mindfulness
Tai Chi or Qigong: Gentle, flowing movements for balance and calm
Walking meditations or hikes: Connects you with nature and clears the mind
💡 These are excellent for people experiencing stress, anxiety, or burnout.
🥗 Pairing Fitness with Nutrition
Movement and nutrition go hand in hand.
Before workouts:
Eat a light snack 30–60 minutes before (e.g., banana, oats, yogurt)
Stay hydrated
After workouts:
Refuel with protein and carbs (e.g., smoothie with fruit and protein, eggs with toast)
Rehydrate, especially if sweating heavily
🎯 Staying Motivated Long-Term
Track your progress: Use a journal, app, or photos to see how far you’ve come
Celebrate milestones: Completed your first 5K? Mastered a push-up? Acknowledge it!
Mix it up: Try new classes, new gear, or new goals to stay excited
Find a community: Whether in person or online, social support boosts accountability
🧓 Exercise at Any Age
Fitness is essential across the lifespan.
In your 20s–30s: Build muscle, stamina, and habits
In your 40s–50s: Maintain strength and support metabolism
In your 60s+: Focus on mobility, balance, and preserving independence
It’s never too late to start—even light activity improves health outcomes.
✅ Conclusion
Fitness and physical activity are more than just tools for weight loss or body shaping—they are investments in your overall health, happiness, and quality of life. A well-rounded, enjoyable, and consistent movement routine can boost energy, reduce stress, prevent chronic illness, and help you feel your best at every age.
Start small, find what you love, and keep moving. Your body—and your future—will thank you.
Would you like a beginner workout plan, equipment-free exercise guide, or tips for staying active at home or at work? Let me know—I’m here to help you get started or stay motivated!
