Fat & Fit?

I recently saw something that said something to the effect of "If you aren't fit (if you don't hit the gym) please sit this one out".

Now, it made me think about what fit meant to people. To most of society fit means thin for the ladies, for guys means hypertrophied bodies. What is 'fit' really? Take a glance around the next time you go to work out. Are there people there every time you go that are working hard on the cardio machines or in the cycling classes that in every day clothing (or in a bathing suit) look 'unfit'? In other words, do they fit the shallow idea our society has of 'fit'?

I know a man, who has been through an amazing journey of fitness, over the years has lost over 100 pounds and can talk the talk, and is more knowledgeable than most trainers I have met. If you saw him you would never think of him as 'fit'. He can, however run circles around most of us, lift heavier weights than most men and is one of the healthiest people I know. His HDL cholesterol is beyond good, his resting heart rate is approximately 56 bpm, he runs 3 -5 miles 5 times a week. He will never look the part of athlete, but he is one - and he is fitter than most individuals who look the look of fit.

The other day, a 25 year old, size 5, 119 lb woman came to me for a body fat caliper test. Her result 26% body fat. TWENTY SIX! As per the calculations she had 28 lbs of fat. Is this by any means fit? For the average American this girl was 'hot'. No muscle definition, she smokes, she drinks, she doesn't get enough sleep. Trust me, in 10 years this will definitely show physically, mentally and take its toll on her overall health.

Just keep these things in mind when you are working out, when you don't think the weight is coming off or that you don't look like a fitness model (male or female) and therefore aren't fit.
Just answer a few questions truthfully: Do you do cardiovascular training 3 x a week or more? Is your heart rate between 75% and 87% the whole time (excluding any interval days)? Do you consciously train with weight bearing exercise 3x or more a week? This could be your own body weight or weights, circuit training or functional training included as well.

If you can say yes but you still have a body that doesn't look 'fit' just keep in mind that genetically we also have three different body types as well. Be honest with yourself as to which one you fit in.

The Ectomorph - lean, flat, delicate bone structure and has a hard time gaining muscle.
The Endomorph - Rounder, has a hard time defining muscle, can be considered 'stalky'.
The Mesomorph - Muscular, athletic build, however will gain fat easier than an Ectomorph.

Imagine an Endomorph that works on extreme cardiovascular training. We all know of an Endomorph who does this. This man was stalky all of his life, had a heart condition and had to undergo surgery. He is however a avid cyclist and owns over 40 bikes.

He is fit. He is Robin Williams. He rides his bike as much as he can and has done so with his buddy Lance Armstrong. Would you imagine Robin Williams as 'fit'? Why not? Because he doesn't look the part? Probably.

You can be fit, healthy and on your road to looking the best you can be, keep the expectations real and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. One of the best things you can do for yourself is find a fitness professional who knows what they are doing like the gentleman I mentioned above - a person who isn't 'fit' only due to age and genetics but knows what they are talking about through experience and education, it is an eye opening experience to work with someone like that who can guide you to health. Eat right, exercise and don't forget to enjoy life!