The reason I ask this question is because it has come to my attention that the appearance of health and fitness seem to represent either six pack abs or women wearing a size two.
And if this is how we’re going to continue to measure good health, then I’m gonna say that we’re in trouble.
This is because the image that represents well-being has a good chunk of humanity on a wild goose chase for a body type that is based on a lie.
Look, I’m not saying that that it isn’t nice to feel good about the way you look.
It can be incredibly empowering to feel good about your appearance – and truth be told…a society of humans running around in a better mood is definitely a good thing.
But if comparing ourselves to an image causes any form of mental anguish because “you’ll never look like him/her so why bother even trying?” ... then it’s time to consider altering our point of view about what health and fitness is ‘supposed to’ look like.
Why Not Focus On Well-Being Instead?
The reason that an overall focus on well-being is the most important outlook to have is because it’s the path of least resistance.
When the desire to simply feel your best is your #1 priority, then eating nutrient dense foods is no longer a diet… but instead, a way of treating your body with dignity and respect.
It’s the same thing with exercise. When engaging in a fitness program is based on wanting to have more energy, strength, better function and agility in life… then just about anything you do that resembles physical activity acts as an asset to your life as opposed to a chore.
It’s All About Balance
Don’t get me wrong…
I’m not knocking or criticizing fitness models or anything else. I feel that all has its place…as everyone has the right to express themselves.
All I’m saying is that if an image – which isn’t always realistic (or in some cases…real at all) has you in a mind set of “I can’t look like him/her so why even try?”… then I suggest shifting your perspective of health and fitness to one that resembles optimal health and wellbeing.
You don’t have to wear the skinny jeans… but you CAN enjoy looking and feeling your best – in whatever way makes it enjoyable and right for YOU.