Fitness Comes In All Sizes
Fitness Comes In All Sizes
This week’s article is dedicated to all of the folks who get up each and every day and move. Whether you are cleaning horse stalls or cleaning houses. If you are getting up extra early in the morning to take a fitness class, run, walk or hike. Or maybe you are the one skinning up a mountain so that you can enjoy the fresh snow before the lifts open. You know who you are and who I am writing about. You are the folks that may not have a perfect diet, but you strive to eat right and drink lots of water. Yet, even when you try your best you still feel frustrated by that number you see when you step on the scale.
There is a misconception that being skinny and being fit are one in the same. This tends to be more prevalent in women due to the intense media persistence promoting this stereotype. I personally know plenty of women who do not reflect those images and yet are in very good physical shape. These women have curves and are strong but still tend to feel disappointed in themselves merely because of their weight/size.
Being skinny means something different to everyone. When you look up the definition, it's plain and simple: skinny means very thin. What causes a person to be skinny can be due to a number of factors like genetics, improper metabolism of nutrients, lack of food, drugs, illness or an eating disorder.
When you look up what it means to be fit - or in this case athletic, it says being physically strong and active. Being fit requires both physical activity and exercise which can have immediate and long-term health benefits. The decision as to which one to be should be simple. It should also go without stigma.
Sadly, we live in a world where vanity/appearances seem to hold more value than inner qualities like kindness, integrity and determination. We believe that if we look a certain way, we will be happier overall. Again, I know many women who have dieted their way into a thinner body only to regain the lost weight and feel defeated. Or they work out two or even three times a day which becomes unsustainable over time. This desire to look like someone else can literally drive you to actually feel worse than better about yourself.
Which brings me to the conclusion that feeling good and being healthy actually comes from within. It’s not what you see on the outside that ultimately matters. It’s confidence and determination. It’s getting up every day to be the best version of yourself. The one who strives to enjoy everything from physical fitness to quiet moments with loved ones.
Being skinny is not always attainable. But, being healthy, fit and in shape is a lifestyle most of us can attain. It's not easy. It takes consistency and discipline, but it is also very rewarding.
In the end, it boils down to this: Being skinny is a narrative created by the media. Being fit means creating a healthy lifestyle that allows for room to make mistakes and room to improve. It allows you to build something within yourself and with others. It helps you to love your body versus hate your body. So, if you’re one of the many who allows a number to determine your level of confidence and success, step away from the scale and continue on your path to staying healthy and happy with every new day.
Kim Duke is a certified personal trainer and owner of Core Performance Fitness and Training, located at 55 Bristol Lane, Ellicottville, NY. Kim resides in Ellicottville where she raised her two sons, Zach and Nik. For more information about her studio visit her Facebook page or www.coreperformancefitness.com. Kim can be reached directly at 716-698-1198.
