Tuesday 26 February 2013

What Fitness Means


We all seem to have distorted vision of what exactly fitness means to us. I am particularly pained by the dilly-dally approach, woman show towards this important activity, relegating it to a remote corner of life.  Being a firm believer in sound body-sound mind theory, this topic is very close to my heart and I recently had the opportunity to share an article on this issue with a very reputed website Glad2bawoman. I have always advised and encouraged people around me to include some fitness routine in their daily lives. This is my first attempt to relay my thoughts on a broader platform. 

Beyond all the divisions of cast, creed and colour that already exist, I am dividing women folk into three more categories (pardon me!), depending upon their take on physical fitness. First, who by virtue of being married and motherhood, think they do not have time and no longer require impressing anyone by squeezing into their tight dresses and hence can be comfortable in their skins (inflated ones).  Second, who only exercise for attaining wafer thin waist a la Kareena Kapoor (though they achieve it or not is a different ball game). This category is severely bitten by the dieting bug and considers exercise a mere auxiliary activity.  Third category is the God’s chosen ones who are endowed with excellent metabolism, hence are thin. They take pride in the fact that they require no more than the magic potion sold in jars by the names of beauty and anti-ageing creams to defy their age and look good…

 For complete post, please read my GuestArticle on the website.

Picture taken from: Google Search


24 comments:

  1. Interesting. So which category do U belong? :)

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    1. hahaha........I am the haloed one giving commentary on three categories. I am try to form a fourth one, who are are conscious about their health and fitness

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  2. Congratulations Meenakshi !

    Coming to the article , i agree to each point that you have highlighted . Those women who are blessed with a slim figure rever in a false belief that they are healthy as well . As age takes its toll on them , gradually , they come out of their imaginary halo . But then it would be too late . You have rightly pointed to the crux of the problem and in addition has numbered solutions too . Great write up !

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    1. Thank you so much, Maliny for reading through. This is one issue which is painfully ignored, only to repent later when nothing much can be done.

      Thanks for validation my thoughts.

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  3. Loved the entire articles...throughly...and yes when people are there whom we can look forwrd to as a role model it certainly helps...and the thing about fitness is that a healthy body will invariably result in to a healthy mind which in turn result into a overall personality of person be it about their work or any activity they indulge in a healthy body always suffice for things positive...!!!

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    1. There are so many things that we know we should do but ignore. Like everybody knows we should drink atleast 8 glasses of water a day but we do not care. We all know we should have atleast 5 helpings of fresh fruits and vegetables but we prefer to overloook. Why is this difference between knowing and doing?

      Thanks a lot for visiting.

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  4. Great post Meenakshi!!
    As you rightly pointed out women will give a thousand reasons as to why they dont have time, all that may be true even but they tend to forget that they should keep themselves fit in order to ensure their household stays healthy and happy. That even the blessed ones need to schedule some activities is a very valid point, slimness is not the only indication of fitness.

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    1. When we want to do something we have ways, and when we do not want to do, we have excuses. We always take time out of our busy schedule for unplanned shopping visits, uninvited guests in the evening and eat-outs. Just because keeping fit needs regularity and persistence, we are not able to stick to it. Though this is the most important gift we can give to ourselves.

      Thanks Reshma for your valuable opinion.

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  5. Agree with all your points. The problem is that we seem to know all this, especially the benefits or consequences, in theory. It is so damn hard to put into practice..

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    1. It demands perseverance and we generally get bored after initial bouts of enthusiasm. But I have seen if we are able to stick to it for one or two months, then body gets habitual. This ritual really pays.

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  6. Very useful and inspiring write up. And yes there is another category; those who have inheritated the flab in their genes through their parents.I belong to this fourth category.Any type of physical exercise or dieting has very little effect on the body.Even at this age I follow a fitness plan.I joking tell some of my slim friends, that if they consume tons of sweets ,they remain slim,but even plain water adds to my weight!!

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    1. Yes ma'am, the difference is in BMR, higher the BMR, higher th erate of burning calories. People with lower BMR find it hard to shed weight. But then physical activity is sure to boost BMR. Once you gain muscle mass, you burn calories even while resting.

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  7. Good article Meenakshi and Congrats

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  8. I fall in the third category; but never feel blessed. I run 3 km everyday and do cardio to stay fit and STRONG.
    Honestly, I'd rather prefer to be called strong than thin and skinny.

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    1. It is a sheer delight to know that you appreciate the value of fitness and put in effort to maintain it. Just keep doing and motivating others to follow it. Cheers!

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  9. I like your three categories and the first one made me smile... So, so true! :-)

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    1. Did it ring a bell ;) It makes me smile too.

      Take good care of yourself.

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  10. Hi Meenakshi,

    Congratulations Meenakshi on the guest post.
    You've certainly made a point here and I personally echo your thoughts in this post. I've always believed a human must take utmost care of one's body. However, people are usually under the misconception that they need to have a physique akin to a body-builder. Seriously, that's not what fitness is all about.

    I wish more people thought like you. Good post. Keep it up :)

    Regards

    Jay
    My Blog

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    1. My effort is to spread awareness and be an example myself. I hope it motivates others.

      Thanks for validating my thoughts.

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  11. Abs true , i totally agree with all your points ...and congrats !

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