Dictionary.com says fitness is “the capability of the body of distributing inhaled oxygen to muscle tissue during increased physical effort.” Merriam-Webster says it’s “the quality or state of being physically healthy and strong.”
I like both of those definitions, but I dislike how much of society seems to equate skinny with fit. Take it from this skinny girl: they are NOT the same.
Exhibit A: my bird arms.
My BIGGEST bicep ever; it took 6 weeks of working out daily to get this much!
Except for my pregnancy, I’ve been within several pounds of my current weight for more than 25 years, regardless of my eating habits or fitness level. It’s not an accomplishment; it’s just a fact of my genetics.
Here’s what irks me: any time I’ve ever made mention of needing to work out, I’ve heard, “You don’t need to work out!” Followed by something along the lines of, “Gosh, I wish I was that skinny” or “What are you, like a size 2?” I know it’s meant as a compliment but it misses the point entirely.
Exhibit B: genetics courtesy of my parents.
Me and my skinny dad, both seriously stylin’ in this photo.
Like me, my dad was always “skinny” — but when he first started running in his late 30’s, he couldn’t even make it past the mailbox. Soon, however, he was running local road races (like the Peachtree, earning him that t-shirt in the photo), and even ran an unofficial marathon. At 70, he could jog 5 miles up the mountain behind his house every day. That was some serious fitness.
My mom, for the record, has always been slim, too, though also like me, her fitness level has waxed and waned through the years.
What is fitness?
- Fitness means improving my quality of life.
- Fitness means having energy to do the things I need to do.
- Fitness means not dragging through every day feeling exhausted.
- Fitness means being able to ride a bicycle around the block without feeling like my lungs will literally burst.
- Fitness means being able to keep up with my kids — and future grandkids.
UPDATE: I’m still on my fitness journey and I love helping others get strong, too. Follow me on instagram and at my facebook page for tips and encouragement.
Wife, mom, grandma. Introvert who finds joy in good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Fitness enthusiast and personal trainer. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand.
Fit to me means having the energy and strength to be who you want to be. I was very fit as a kid, riding bikes and playing with my 5 brothers in elementary school and playing soccer and basketball in jr high and high school. But college got the best of me and I began to lack energy. Until I met my ex-husband. There are plenty of things I regret about that relationship but I don’t regret the fact he made me a fit person again. He loved to hike and take me on them but I couldn’t take it.… Read more »
Hurray for you for staying fit for over a decade!
I LOVE your definition because it’s all about BALANCE. Just as I’m tired of people saying it’s all about the number on the scale, it’s also not NOT about the number. The number is not everything, but it does matter. We need both healthy weight and activity. I know super skinny people who never workout and aren’t fit. I also know people that workout everyday, and are still 20 pounds or more over a healthy BMI. They’re not fit either. Balance, like with everything in life is the key.
Exactly, Cheryl!
I appreciate this post! I’ve always been a thin person (thanks, genetics) but only recently started getting fit. It’s demotivating to work toward fitness goals when every person scoffs at the idea of me having to work out. One thing I’ve realized is that the first few pounds of “softness” add a larger percentage of body fat than the last few pounds. So while I might not look any different, I feel very different. My husband keeps me motivated to run, thankfully!
I know what you mean, Ashley! And sometimes it’s hard to feel like I’m making progress because I can’t measure it by a scale; I just have to go by how I feel. But yesterday, for instance, I was working on some household stuff (rearranging and cleaning out a “junk” room) and I could do so much more than I used to without hurting myself. That’s progress!
Fit to me, DOES NOT mean, when you are trying to find the cottage cheese in the frig and your grandson pokes you in the booty and says, “dere it is Meme”…Lets just say, I’m workin on and learning what “being fit” is again..at age 44. I’m reading a reallllly good book that I heard about on Dr. James Dobson’s show “Family Talk”. The book is called “Prescription For Life” by Dr. Richard Furman. Being an RN, I understand the need for a healthy diet and exercise but this fella really explains things in laymans terms as I’ve never heard… Read more »
Oh my goodness at your grandson! I’ll have to look into that book; thanks for the recommendation.
You’re so right about people mixing up skinny with fit. Earlier today I was expressing distaste at the fact I’d eaten chips (fries) three times this week – I’ve been working a LOT, without enough time to cook – and someone commented that it was ok, I was skinny enough that I could. But that isn’t the point, it wasn’t a healthy choice! For me, fitness means being able to easily do all the things I need to do, including running up and down four flights of stairs at work when someone needs something urgently, and lifting heavy objects like… Read more »
Yes, exactly!
Even though I have gained 20 pounds since my first child 15 years ago, most people still consider me skinny (thank you, genetics!). The problem is that I don’t feel WELL. I just feel okay… And when okay means getting stuff done but snoring a lot more and feeling sluggish and down about my more than a muffin top… It’s time to make a change. I began walking again and try to walk 3-4 miles three times a week. Today I will add PiYo to my routine. Not sure how all this will work out, but I need to do… Read more »
I hear you! I think you and I are about the same age (I’ll be 42 this year), and I hear you on wanting to be a young old lady for my kids — and there will be grandkids I’ll want to keep up with, too!
Oh my friend, for the first time in 10 years I am feeling “fit” again — and I still have a long ways to go. While my weight fluctuates a lot, I agree wholeheartedly with your definition of being FIT. My husband and I want to be around to keep up with our kids and grandkids. This was an awesome post!
Thanks, Mary! And I’m watching you on instagram; you’re doing great, so keep it up! 🙂
Great post. Fitness for me is about fitting the life I have so I can have the life I want. I like to be fit because it means I can have more fun with my kids. I studied sports science but instead of training athletes to compete I use it to help myself compete and I follow the principles you talk about here. I just want to be able to do fun stuff and the fitter I am the more fun stuff I can do. Over the years I am learning more and more about being fit without using a… Read more »
That’s awesome, Colin. I’m studying in hopes of becoming a certified fitness trainer this year. Partly just so I can say I did it, but I’d eventually love to help wimpy folks like me get healthier and stronger!
Oh, cool you’re studying. I’m so glad I did it because it’s one of the few things you learn that you use every day. At least I do. It’s even more useful now I have a little one because I get to apply so much more.
How is your course going?
I’m not too far in yet, and my brain is already fried. 😉 But I’ll get there! Planning to test in May or June.
Oh girl I totally get ya there. And agree with you completely!! I was small my whole life…then after pregnancies I seemed to have to watch the weight. I was always interested in fitness…and took aerobics or fitness walking, etc for years. Right now I’m ok with the number on the scales. Almost 30 pounds ago I was not though. And while I’m happy with that #, I still need to be stronger and healthier. Thanks to PiYo, I’m getting there! I think it is easy for us women to get into that comparison trap though. We see a skinny… Read more »
It is really hard not to compare, in all sorts of things. But sometimes it can be good if we view it with the right mindset. For instance, your yummy instagram meals give me healthy ideas I might actually try someday, and you’re the reason I heard of PiYo in the first place!