A few months ago at my family reunion, my grandfather told me to stop telling people I'm a Fitness Professional. His exact words to me were, “you don't look like fitness.” I really began to ponder and entertain his statement. What does fitness look like? Does fitness have a look?
According to Webster's Dictionary fitness means; the state of being fit; good health. Is it possible to look at someone and determine if they are fit and have good health? The assumption that people who are fit look like models is taboo. People who are physically fit and have good health come in all shapes and sizes. We as a society gravitate to what the media and what Hollywood feeds us.
There is nothing wrong with trying to look like a model, if that is your goal and it's a goal you can achieve safely. But it's not the only way to be physically, visibly, and actually fit. The main objective any person who has set a fitness goal for themselves is achievement. Be ready to wear unflattering and baggy clothes, to get dirty, to sweat, and to train hard.
As a Fitness Professional I'm well aware that everyday I'm judged on how my body looks. I would be lying if I said it didn't matter. Every person who takes the time to workout and eat healthy, (and even those who don't) care about how we look to others. Sometimes the hardest thing for us to do is to be comfortable with ourselves and look good and feel good on our on terms. It's ok if you don't look the way other people think you should look. According to the media we will never look good enough anyway.
In general people put different values on physical appearance. We all have different genetics. A short and stocky person will never be tall and thin. I have thick thighs and healthy hips. I dream of having thin thighs, but I would live a depressed life if I placed my hope in one day waking up and having thins thighs….NOT!!! No matter how hard I workout my thighs are a part of me and every time I look in the mirror they are still there.
I'm a normal woman. I'm a Fitness Professional. I'm not a model. I workout in baggy clothes. I don't wear makeup to the gym. I get sweaty and my hair looks a mess. But I feel good. I'm not thin, but I'm healthy. I understand the benefits of exercise.
Fitness is much more valuable than physical appearance. Exercise, in fact, is the single most important factor in preventing heart disease, lowering cholesterol, decreasing chances of osteoporosis, decreasing cancer, diabetes, losing weight, reducing stress, and having better sex.
Learn to Love yourself. You will achieve the appearance that is right for you. You don't have to look like anyone else. Be you. Be a better you. Be a fitter you. Evaluate you health and your fitness goals. Understand the major factors of fitness: cardiovascular, flexibility, strength, and endurance.
Fitness is for everybody. Everybody can do it. Be Active. Be Healthy. Be Fit. Be Blessed.
Fitness Professional
Freda
Fit With Freda
www.fitwithfreda.com
