Exercise: More Than Just a Skinny Body

Over the past decade, as a strength and conditioning coach, I've met countless people who have a very specific goal in mind when it comes to their fitness journey: to be skinny. While there's nothing inherently wrong with wanting to look a certain way, the truth is that fitness is about so much more than just the number on the scale or the size of your jeans.

Let me tell you about my client Eric. When Eric first came to me, he was overweight and had a laundry list of health issues, including high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. His doctor had warned him that he needed to make some serious lifestyle changes if he wanted to avoid a potentially life-threatening situation. Eric was overwhelmed and didn't know where to start, but he knew that he needed to do something.

At our consultation, Eric told me that his goal was to lose weight and get skinny. While I understood where he was coming from, I knew that his journey was going to be about so much more than just shedding pounds. We started slow, kept his intensity appropriate, and worked to build strength. Eric struggled at first, but he was determined to make a change.

Over time, Eric started to notice that he wasn't just losing weight; he was feeling better. His blood pressure was starting to come down, his energy levels were up, and he was sleeping better at night. He was even able to cut down on his diabetes medication. It was like a lightbulb had gone off in his head - he realized that fitness wasn't just about looking a certain way; it was about feeling better, living better, and becoming a more capable human being.

Eric's journey wasn't easy, but he stuck with it. He started setting new goals for himself - running a 5K, lifting heavier weights, and trying new activities like rock climbing and hiking. He was no longer just focused on being skinny; he was focused on being the best version of himself.

The truth is, fitness is about so much more than just aesthetics. It's about taking care of your body and your mind so that you can live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life. It's about being able to do the things that you love without limitations. It's about feeling confident and capable in your own skin.

So, if you're just starting your fitness journey or if you've been at it for a while, I encourage you to think beyond the scale. Focus on how exercise makes you feel - the way your body moves, the rush of endorphins, the sense of accomplishment when you push yourself a little bit further than you thought you could go. Remember, fitness isn't about being skinny, it's about feeling better, living better, and becoming a more capable human being.