What is fitness to you?

Fitness is a very subjective term.

On one health related site I visited they asked this very question ..

A large number replied that fitness means (and I quote) “being in shape” – I’m a shape and James is a shape – obviously a very different shape than I, but we are both shapes ..

So yeah I didn’t find that thread very helpful.  In fact I’m betting some people came away even more confused about what fitness is.

Merriam Webster sums it up as;

fitness
noun fit·ness \ˈfit-nəs\

Definition of fitness
1
: the quality or state of being fit
2
: the capacity of an organism to survive and transmit its genotype to reproductive offspring as compared to competing organisms; also : the contribution of an allele or genotype to the gene pool of subsequent generations as compared to that of other alleles or genotypes

the crossfit journal on the other hand needed an eleven page journal to explain what fitness is.  Eleven!

So, what does being fit mean to you?

Is it being able to run fast (or far) or being able to lift heavy shit off the ground repeatedly? Is it being able to do a “real” push up or dancing the entire night away without rest.  Perhaps for you, it’s as simple as having a six pack? None of these things are wrong and none is necessarily better than the other what’s more important is that it’s “your why” – it’s what drives you.

For me it’s simple – fitness equals freedom.

It’s knowing that you not only posses the ability to undertake your usual daily tasks but you’re adept enough to respond to any new, unplanned or unexpected challenges or activities.

This could be as simple as carrying the weekly grocery bags up the stairs, playing basketball with the kids or running a 5k’s out on a trail with the husband.

(To me) fitness is your inner swagger.  It’s that voice in your head that says “you’ve got this”.

Although that doesn’t stop me from reaching out for James’ hand when we get to a hill – I’m still capable I’m just more capable with a little helping hand ..

Till next time