When it comes to fitness, size doesn’t matter
This year, I celebrated my 30th anniversary in the fitness industry. Reflecting back, the industry has come a long way since the early ’80s, when doing excessive repetitions of exercises at lightning speed with no awareness of technique was the only way to workout. It really didn’t matter what you did as long as you were wearing the right outfit! Don’t get me wrong, it was fun, but lacked intention.
Today, the level of education is greater than ever and certified fitness professionals have access to groundbreaking research in training methods, individual assessment and health and disease prevention. Training has become much more sophisticated, effective and methodical.
However, there is still an obsession with the body beautiful image that is portrayed in advertising, infomercials and the media. Recently, I heard a highly recognized fitness professional say, “I have to be this thin for people to buy my product.” I question whether we have grown at all or are we still attached to the idea that no matter what, it is how you look that determines whether you are fit.
According to Dr. Steven Blair, director of research at the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research in Dallas and one of the leading researchers in exercise, aging and medicine says, “Health and fitness is not determined by size.” In fact, it may have very little to do with the way we look.