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Every-BODY is different
Posted by Connie K on
This morning, on my mind is the question: Why does society push us to believe that SKINNY automatically equals HEALTHY?
Think about this. A lot of what we see is geared towards pushing us to be skinny, full of eye popping muscles, and to obtain this by nearly any means necessary. It's everywhere: commercials, internet, magazines, billboards etc. I'm not a scientific expert on this stuff, but it doesn't take a whole lot of common sense to know that you do NOT have to be stick thin to be healthy. Often time, people that are very skinny are as unhealthy as or worse than those that are carrying more body fat. The focus needs to shift toward not just looking healthy and fit, but actually being healthy and fit.
We seem to get caught up in this world of HAVING to look a certain way and if we don’t, we won't be accepted by peers, we won't be a good parent, we won't find a husband or wife etc. Every BODY is different and we've got to learn that and become accepting of it. No two people are EXACTLY alike.
I believe that shifting the focus to body fat % is a good path instead of just trying to look like someone else. BMI is often useless since it doesn’t take into account a person’s lean body mass. Body fat % is a much more reliable way to determine a person’s general level of health. Based on the chart below from the American Council on Exercise, I try to stay anywhere in the fitness category or better, but will say that I have no desire to lower my body fat to the essential category. I’m not a bodybuilder; I’m a family man first, and fitness fanatic second.
**Note: Just because your body fat is in check doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit your health care provider to get a true picture of your overall health/wellness.
Getting back to the point that EveryBODY is different: That's just it. We're all uniquely made and what works for one person isn't necessarily going to work for you. I'm not suggesting that you never try supplements, or that you don't buy that piece of home workout equipment you see on TV. If you do, and find that they work for you and help you reach your goals, GO FOR IT. Educate yourself on supplements and nutrition, and make a quality, well informed decision. Make sure to check out Beast’s line of ultra high quality supplements designed for those who are serious about getting big, being strong, keeping fit and staying healthy. You have to find the balance that works for you.
Yes, we are overweight as a nation, but the focus is too far to the side of "Get Skinny, you'll be healthy and happy". It's just not that simple. It takes hard work and time. Changes to your body don't happen overnight. EveryBODY is different. Comments, concerns, questions? Post them below!
From 9-5, Lonnie sits in front of a computer. Outside of being an IT Geek, he's an athlete who's familiar with the cycle of being fit-fat-fit that so many of us struggle with. Down from his highest weight of 300lbs in June 2009, he's made the permanent lifestyle change to remain Big. Strong. Fit. Healthy. When not spending time with his wife, son and daughter, he's at the gym keeping off the fat and adding quality lean mass.
| Classification | Women (% fat) | Men (% fat) |
| Essential Fat | 10-13% | 2-5% |
| Athletes | 14-20% | 6-13% |
| Fitness | 21-24% | 14-17% |
| Average | 25-31% | 18-24% |
| Obese | 32% plus | 25% plus |
From 9-5, Lonnie sits in front of a computer. Outside of being an IT Geek, he's an athlete who's familiar with the cycle of being fit-fat-fit that so many of us struggle with. Down from his highest weight of 300lbs in June 2009, he's made the permanent lifestyle change to remain Big. Strong. Fit. Healthy. When not spending time with his wife, son and daughter, he's at the gym keeping off the fat and adding quality lean mass.