What Does Being Fit Mean to You

Have you ever asked yourself questions like these? 

• Does being fit mean you are healthy?
• What does being fit say about you?
• What makes a fit body? 

 Let’s first take a look at the dictionary and see what it has to say…

Definition for the word ‘Fit’ in the context of fitness:

Adjective
In good physical condition; in good health:
– He’s fit for the race.

Seems about right to me. Fit = health. But it seems the world of fitness may have skewed a few things over the years. 

Society’s Idea of What Being Fit Means

I think society’s idea of being fit means you are lean, shredded, and model perfect. Some trainers out there may be a representation of that and push that image to their clients. They may not realize that more often than not, this is challenging physically and mentally for the average person with a family, career, social life, and/or all of the above. 

I’m not saying it’s impossible but I want you to be realistic towards the things that truly matter to you. Do you need to have zero body fat or is that something that you were told you needed to be truly accepted in society? Let’s really think about what we want here! If being your defined version of ‘fit’ compromises what makes you happy then I believe there is a better way for you.

What Being Fit Means to Me 

After 10 years of being a personal trainer and now 8 years of running my company JustFit – I want to share with you what it means to me to be “FIT”. It may not be everyone else’s version of fit but I would love to open this idea up to you. 

Being fit to me is about being my healthiest self in all aspects of my own life while still fueling my joy and happiness. 

In a more specific sense, this means to me that you can do day-to-day functions with proper form. You can lift properly with your core and your legs. You have flexibility and mobility, especially in your hips, spine, and shoulders. You have a good balance to protect you from falling, especially as you age. You are someone who eats well and has energy. You practice self-care and mindful exercises. You have endurance in a variety of activities. And lastly, you are happy and enjoy your diet, fitness, and wellness routines. Being fit to me, means you have a solid grasp on both physical and mental wellness. But I’ll say it again… if being your defined version of ‘fit’ compromises what makes you happy then I believe there is a better way for you.

I personally am not nor do I aim to be the low body fat, shredded fitness model that many think ‘fit’ people are. It took some learning, unlearning, trial, error, soul searching, but at the root, what I strive for is that I am my own version of ‘fit’. 

What I aim to do for a living is help clients become their version of fit. My recommendation to you is to seek happiness in your wellness journey. Sometimes you may get lost but try new paths until it clicks for you. Half of the fun is the journey, so start now!

Questions and recommendations to help you find your FIT!

Are you regularly moving your body in a way that you love? 

Start slow and aim for a small amount of movement each day, like two small walks. Then try playing fetch with your dog but adding a little chase in there. Then try a weight lift program- something for beginners and build from there. 

Are you flexible, mobile, pliable, and free of joint pain? 

This is the answer to feeling good throughout the day and avoiding pain and injury as we age. Add in a little light stretching, foam rolling, and even massage to your daily routines.

Are you strong and able to lift and move things within reasonable weight? 

This is where resistance training comes in handy. In this modern-day way of life, you may find yourself in front of your computer, phone, or tv more than out lifting heavy things to survive. Start with a beginner program and build up from there. Working towards 2-4 days per week.

Are you eating wholesome nourishing foods that make you feel full and happy? 

No matter what diet you choose (ahem, I recommend plant-based) you should aim to eat as many whole foods as you can, especially a wide variety of nutrients coming from colorful vegetables and fruits, as well as beans, rice, and whole grains.

Are you practicing mindful exercises as well as body exercises? 

Aim to practice meditation, quiet time away from devices, yoga flows, or other ways to step away from stress.

Do you take time for yourself and practice self-care, such as baths, massages, meditation, slow walks, quiet time, etc?

This can go hand-in-hand with the above mindful exercises. You can’t be all that you can be for others if you don’t take care of yourself first. 

Do you feel energetic, strong, and happy? 

A trifecta of goodness – if you get through the day with all of these things on your side. Answer these questions above and see where you currently are and where you want to go! Aim to find your answer to most, if not all of these questions, and you will be on your way to your version of fit. 

Schedule a free consultation call with me so I can help you discover your FIT.

Peace and love to you, the FIT you that’s always been there:)