The Definition of Fitness & Fitness Bullies

Hello guys. :)

I realize my blogging has become rather inconsistent, but I'm dealing with a lot of things in my life right now and the blog has had to take a backseat. I am seriously trying to find a more consistent pattern, so don't worry. :)

I've been thinking a lot lately about my own definition of fitness. What does it mean to ME to be fit? Everyone has their own definition of fitness and it can get quite irritating when someone refuses to acknowledge that everyone has their own opinions.

For me, my definition of fitness consists of lifting heavy weights, cycling in moderate/light weights, getting cardiovascular at least 3x per week (HIIT being the best form of cardio), stretching consistently, and doing some sort of metabolic conditioning.

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This is MY definition. However, I am fully aware that someone else's definition differs drastically from my own. For some people, they define fitness as being able to run a full marathon. Some people say that it's all about mastering the art of yoga. Some people say that to be truly fit, you must be a powerlifter.

Everyone has their own niche. Fitness for me personally revolves around lifting weights. I love it, it keeps my mind healthy and it keeps my body healthy. But for someone who isn't into lifting and may be into running, powerlifting, yoga, Pilates, etc. I can completely understand and accept their definition of fitness.

It is really sad when I continuously see "fitness experts" (or so they think) blatantly shaming people for not following their definition of fitness and quite frankly being a fitness bully. "Oh, well long distance running increases your cortisol levels so you'll stay fat." "Lifting weights is really quite taxing on the body so it should be kept to a minimum." I could go on and on and on. 

The way I see it, as long as someone gets their BUTT off the COUCH, that is something to be proud of. To these "fitness experts" I would ask, would you rather them be sitting all day inhaling flaming hot Cheetos and Krispy Kreme donuts or finding some sort of way to be active even if it doesn't fit YOUR definition of fitness? Mhmm, that's what I thought.

And lastly, since I am already ranting at all, I cannot stand people who shame "fat people" for going to the gym. It disgusts me that someone has the audacity to say "Ew, why is that FAT person at the gym? They are so FAT. Why are they hogging the bike? They should leave." Uhmm, excuse me?! What do you think the gym is for?! So you can come and judge everyone since you're all high and mighty and mold to your own definition of "fit"?! That "fat" person is at the gym in the first place to TRY and make a difference. They wouldn't be there just to lounge around and stare at walls. They most likely realize that they need to take control of their health and getting themselves to the gym is the first step. Give them some credit. At least they are TRYING. They may not know exactly what "plan" is best for them at the moment but the start of a 1,000-mile journey begins with one single step, A.K.A. stepping foot in the gym.

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Plain and simple, don't be a fitness bully. Don't shove your own definition of fitness down everyone's throat and preach to the high gods that you are right and everyone else is wrong. Don't judge others at the gym and worry about your own progress and improving yourself.

Rant over. Have a lovely day everyone. :)

Questions: What irks you about the fitness world? Have you ever been a fitness bully?

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