This time of year especially, we hear the word “fitness” thrown around a lot. Almost all the morning shows have a “fitness” segment where they talk about diets and the new exercise crazes or products. I started to think about what “fitness” means to me. Is fitness measured by weight, appearance or a certain number of miles run? What does fitness mean to you?
After an exhaustive and very unscientific google search on the definition of fitness, I discovered it’s rather vague. The most common definition of “fitness” –“the condition of being physically fit” hmmm.
A few other clicks and I found some synonyms for fitness:
Good health, robustness, strength, vigor, athleticism, toughness and muscularity
What does fitness mean to me?
I would say my idea of fitness has changed over the past few years. The younger me would have said fitness was about being a certain weight or looking a certain way. The older (and more wiser me?) would say fitness is finding a balance between a healthy body, mind and spirit.
A healthy body means taking care of myself by eating well and exercising. Feeling fit to me means knowing I am able to go out and do almost any activity (biking, swimming, running, hiking). Feeling fit means I can carry loads and loads of laundry up and down the stairs without huffing or carrying cases of water in from the car. Fitness is feeling strong, rested and confident.
Finding a certain balance and peace with my mind and spirit has become more important to me and plays a big part in my view of whether or not I feel fit. I’ve learned how to challenge myself to achieve but also forgive and accept that it’s not always possible.
I was curious how others viewed fitness so I went to a few of my skirt sports friends:
Tell me what does fitness mean to you?
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I would agree with your definition- and its changed over the years for me as well! When I first started working out I thought of fitness as looking a certain way and being able to work out all the time. Now I know its so much more than that!
Yes it’s funny how our ideas about that change as we age.
It is interesting to think about fitness vs health. I would say fitness is readiness for anything that comes your way, or readiness for your purported job at hand.
Yes definitely. My view has certainly evolved away from looking a certain way but ti feeling a certain way
You make a great point! I think it is all about finding a balance. I think there is some truth in the older the wiser…haha.
Thanks finding a balance has been so much more important to me lately
Watching my parents age, and not really particularly well, that’s a big part of what fitness means to me — being able to age well, to be physically capable of taking care of myself.
Of course I want to look better and feel better too. 😉
Yes being able to age well and take care of yourself and your family is definitely something I think about as well watching my parents.
My view of fitness has definitely changed over the years. I first started after I quit smoking and started to put on a few pounds, so it was mostly about burning calories. Then I started to appreciate the aesthetics of a fit body. When I started running it became about getting faster, and running longer races. Now, like you, I appreciate being able to do most anything I want to, whether it’s hiking, kayaking, or carrying the groceries.
I do think it’s interesting how our views evolve over the years. Being able to move and feel good about myself are key.
As I’ve gotten older, the definition of fitness has really changed for me. Now it’s all about being strong and capable. And healthy. That last one is being challenged with my new diagnosis of RA! I still see myself as healthy, and I’m really glad I had such a high level of fitness. I can only think that will help me battle this thing.
It will definitely help you battle it! Being strong and capable is my focus now and finding a balance of it all.
I think it’s definitely all about balance. When I first started my fitness journey I was only concenred about losing weight. After I accomplished that, my focus shifted towards running, endurance and trying to get strong vs. skinny.
Yes exactly!
I find these posts so inspirational and FUN, because fitness means something different to everyone and I like to hear what motivates people to stay fit and happy inside and out. XOXO
Yes it’s a personal definition for sure and it’s fun to see what others think
Fitness is whatever it takes for me to go through most of my day feeling energized and excited rather than weighed down and tired. It’s a certain feeling of lightness and energy in the way I carry myself around….
I really like that description!
I like the idea of fitness meaning being able to do things that don’t make you huff and puff. At 37, I’m still conscious of fitness in terms of my weight, but I would say more how my clothes fit than anything else. Now…. just to focus on the food! I’m terrible with healthy eating – work in progress. 🙂
We are all a work in progress right!?
I couldn’t help but nod in agreement when you said when you were younger it was about looks and weight. And now it’s about not huffing and puffing over loads of laundry. Crazy how that changes, right? But it’s so true. I definitely still have the mom pouch and it will likely never go away, but I can run 26 miles. THAT is fitness.
That absolutely is!!
Fitness for me as a teenager = Buns of Steel
Fitness for me now = A much more advanced definition involving Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, and basic theory.
So yeah, my definitions changed, too.:D
Yes it certainly does doesn’t it?!
I love this idea, especially this time of year when everyone is making health and fitness goals. My younger self would also so being fit meant being a certain weight. Now it’s about keeping my body moving, being able to perform everyday activities with ease, and being a good role model for my students, family, and friends.
yes absolutely setting a good examples for the kiddos and family is so important
A happy healthy lifestyle for me includes fitness. It doesn’t matter to me what kind of sports or activity you participate in, but I think everybody benefits from a fit lifestyle!!
I definitely agree and I love that you have your kids join you so much
My definition of fitness has certainly changed over the years, especially since having a baby. For me, fitness is about keeping both my body and my mind in shape. Fitness activities also offer me the opportunity to focus on “me” time.
PS – I love your updated banner!
Yes finding a way to balance it all when having young kids is a challenge for sure. And thanks my friend designed
I think about this definition a lot in my role as a health and wellness coordinator at work. I want everyone to find balance and what is “fit” for them but I also want to challenge them to do more. I guess what I am saying is that its always evolving.
As long as you are doing things you enjoy in physical activity, social settings and at work your life is pretty Fit in my book.
Love your blog !!
It is always evolving for me as well. Thanks so much for stopping by hope to connect with you some more
I agree with you. I think “fitness” for me means a number of different things: that I’m active, moving, strong, confident. I find we use the word fitness less or at least I see if less online these days.
Yes have to just keep moving forward!
I’m slowly getting to the place of healthy body, mind, and spirit. I think overall health and fitness is way more important than being a certain size, since that’s generally not a healthy approach.
I totally agree!
I love love love this! Fitness to me is being able to do things I didn’t think possible, like run a marathon, and being able to enjoy all types of activities.
I know isn’t it great when that happens?!
Fitness used to mean weight loss to me.. now it means being healthy and toning up. Love reading everyones comments on this thread… – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
I thought it was really interesting too!
To me, fitness is all about making your body the most functional it can be and be able to be strong enough to accomplish my goals, both physically and mentally!
Yes indeed I agree!
I love this post Deborah! Fitness too has changed for me over the years. Before it was all about weight loss now it is about staying active and having fun!
Isn’t just wonderful how our view of fitness can change and be less superficial.
staying active, feeling good and doing what it takes for these two.
Yes feeling good is what it’s all about
This is beautiful 😉 I think fitness (sorta like you siad) is a culmination of all things healthy…strength, happiness, and a steady spirit.
Thanks! Yes I agree for me I need a have a balance.
I’d have to say a healthy balance between food, exercise, and mental strength is my definition of fitness in a nutshell!
I completely agree!
I totally feel the same way – my attitude has change so much since I was younger – and so much for the better!
That is great to hear!
I totally agree! In college, fitness to me just meant trying to be skinny. Now I really think it’s a physical and mental thing and I just want to get stronger!
Yes! I feel exactly the same way
Fitness means being able to do active things without feeling uncomfortable such as going on a hike 🙂
Yes that’s exactly how I feel
I have to agree with you and that’s what I think as mine has also shifted over the years the last couple even more so. Now just keeping me balanced and feeling good.
It’s not always easy!
I love this! I tend to waffle between wanting to look good and simply wanting to be my best self. I’m trying to practice balance this year though, so that means getting body, mind, and spirit in line, however that happens!
Yes I am certainly focusing on that as well. When one of them is off I feel off too. thanks for sharing!
Great post! I completely agree with you about finding balance. Ultimately for me fitness is about being capable of doing the things I want to do, keeping up with my kids, and feeling strong.
Yes that’s what it’s all about!
What a great topic! I think it means being healthy and having the energy to do fun things!
Yes feeling like you can keep up is key!
over the years, my idea of fitness has evolved. if you ask me at this minute, for me it finding that balance between emotional, physical, and mental harmony.
Yes finding a balance has become so important to me as well
I love hearing what fitness means to other people! For me, it means taking care of myself in the way that I should so I feel confident, can move freely, and set a great example for my little ones.
Feeling confident in your own skin is so important! Thanks for sharing
Fitness to me means being active in some way. My personality type is not one to wake up thinking of all the different ways I can work out. I have to make myself do things. So for me, fitness is an individual thing – but being active – moving – is very important.
Fitness is definitely an individual thing and I’ve really loved hearing what everyone thinks
Great post. I was just thinking about this and how the definition for everyone probably evolves as we age. My idea of fit has certainly changed. Now, I just want to feel strong and healthy so that everyday life is easier. I want to be strong and healthy to set a good example for my daughters. I want to be strong and healthy so that my quality of life is better and longer.
I completely agree! My own thoughts have completely evolved over the years as well.
To me fitness means taking care of my body and mind and treating it the way it deserves. It’s not only about aesthetics as it is how i feel on the inside, and nourishing my body with the proper foods and workouts that fit my physical needs.
Yes! How we talk to ourselves and how we feel on the inside is so important to our overall fitness and health
I love this whole post. I’m always saying to clients and friends that fitness is personal. It;s something you have to define for yourself – find what you love, what fits into your lifestyle, and what will get you to your goals.
Yes it’s completely different for all of us and that’s a good thing. I’ve loved reading everyone’s take on it
I love the quote about how it changes your mind and your mood. That is so true! I was in a bad mood the other day and I went for a run and I was cured!!
it can do wonders!
Fitness means health and happiness to me! What a fun post idea!
Thanks! Yes have to be happy with what you are doing
Totally agree with your definition. I love that peaceful feeling when running. I enjoy the exhausted feeling after a long run. Never give up until reach my goal.
Yes exactly!
What a great topic! I associate fitness with being strong–cardiovascular for running and muscular for daily life. That of course leads to a whole other array of positive vibes in life!
Yes my thoughts exactly!
Oh, I like your definition of fitness – “finding a balance between a healthy body, mind and spirit.” I think to me fitness means very much the same thing, and also having the strength and cardiovascular endurance to make day-to-day activities easier.
Yes exactly!