I’m not apologizing for being fit

I’m not apologizing for being fit. Not now, not ever. Not happening. And, I’m not apologizing for wanting to get more fit, in better shape, and stronger. I frequently find myself saying, “I am just getting started.” And I mean it. Getting healthy energizes me, it’s like the best natural high I could ask for minus a hangover. Furthermore, I am not apologizing for wanting my daughter to be fit, healthy, and strong either. Or, will I apologize for wanting my clients to be fit and healthy (I mean it is my job to want this). Lastly, I won’t apologize for wanting/wishing/hoping everyone to be fit and healthy. This doesn’t seem unreasonable, does it? But yet, I sense a different perspective, phenomenon if you will, that seems to be stirring or has stirred the healthy fitness pot. And I am pushing back.

In a time where people seem to be rebelling about pretty much everything, I want to point out that loving our bodies and taking care of them through healthy eating and working out is a good thing. It is not a vain act, or a selfish activity. The more we talk about getting older and not being 25 anymore (for those of us who are older), the more we will feel older, accept age as more then just a number, and feel defeated before we even get started. I feel like lately I am inundated with articles, posts, and discussions surrounding a focus about honoring our bodies at all levels regardless of a healthy or unhealthy bodyfat. And that we should focus more on loving ourselves from within and to not regard our physical bodies, or how as women we feel too much pressure to look perfect like women in magazines. Then there is my personal favorite how we should shy away from discussing weight with our children.

I have so many mixed emotions, not understanding on many levels how people actually believe these words. But let me back up, so I am not misunderstood. I wholeheartedly believe in loving yourself first and foremost and that beauty comes from inside. That is not what this is about. This is about being healthy, physically feeling healthy, and actually not only wanting to be healthy just for yourself, but for your family/children as well, and believing that you have the right to do so. And, wanting and encouraging your children to do the same.

Why is this bad? Why have we become so sensitive as a society that we are afraid to recognize the difference between healthy and unhealthy? Why are we glorifying unhealthy images? This truly doesn’t make logical sense yet it continues to be in the spotlight a lot lately.

I understand that there are a plethora (my daughter really likes that word) of magazines and ads (the list is endless) of perfect looking women with perfect bodies. And, as fairly intelligent folks, we should recognize that one, professional pictures are airbrushed so they aren’t all perfect; two, they probably are that skinny (which doesn’t always equate to fit by the way); and three, it’s their industry. Models have been around since I can remember, and they will probably continue to be around. Get over it. We can teach our children not to compare ourselves to other people, that all bodies are different shapes and sizes, and that is what makes the world wonderful. To yes love our bodies and respect them first and foremost, AND to respect and love your body means to take care of it- by what you eat, what you do, and how you live your life. I realize that statement means different things for different people, but the bottom line is that you/me/we should view healthy fit bodies as something to be proud of. Something to work towards and feel good about. Certainly not something that should be up for controversy.

I understand different perspectives, and I understand the sensitivities around image, especially weight loss and the pressure to project an ideal image. But what needs to be realized is that working out and healthy eating isn’t just to portray a cute figure. It’s about how you feel, physically feel. It’s about being able to do everyday functional activities (get in and out of your car, climb stairs, push a full grocery cart, scrub your floors, mow the lawn), and not be out of breath, or in pain, or too tired to even start an activity. It’s about choosing foods that don’t make your stomach hurt (whatever those might be for you), or that make you bloated, or that only give you energy for 10 minutes, or that leave you starving and unfulfilled. And what is this phenomenon where we don’t want to talk about weight with our kids. Why not? Why can’t we teach by example and by stocking our homes with healthy foods and snacks? How about participate in family activities together that are active, something even as simple as walking together after dinner. That certainly doesn’t seem crazy?

I’m a 44 year old fitness trainer, mother of an amazing 22 year old, and everyday I want to keep pushing, keep getting stronger and be the healthiest I can. I can’t control most things in life, but I will certainly make it a priority to control the things I can.

I will be blogging weekly about fitness, health, wellness and everything in between. Stay tuned, I am just getting started.