Comments on: Viewer Mail. Subtitle: That depends on what your definition of average is.

By: Im a free spirit…you? And speaking of FREE… | mizfitonline.com

Im a free spirit…you? And speaking of FREE… | mizfitonline.com — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 11:06:43 +0000

[...] Fitness Testing (we have a flight of stairs. you can feel free to run it [...]

By: Kelley Burrus

Kelley Burrus — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:51:34 +0000

I shall meditate of that phrase, “American average.” Eyebrow lifting indeed.

I heart Mehmet.

By: Kathleen Nemargut

Kathleen Nemargut — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 05:22:50 +0000

“Dr.Oz’s suggestion for an easy way to determine whether you are in ‘fine’ or average shape? Run up two flights of stairs or walk six blocks.” I think this is so great.

Too many people are so out of shape and think it is normal to get out of breath so easy or have a hard time getting up off the floor. While yes it is true that this is average, that doesn’t mean that you should allow yourself to feel this way. Or to think that you can’t do better.

I really enjoyed this post.

By: ttfn300

ttfn300 — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 23:45:22 +0000

when I started reading this post in the am, my thoughts went to why our views of average have changed. indeed, they have. and that american average is (unfortunately) appropriate. i think the root of the problem is the media, portraying too many of those size 0′s, whom are being paraded around us to make us feel inadequate and send us down the path of least resistance (that is, obesity). It’s amazing how a good self-image can propel you forward, to continue positive habits. And I think runjess is right on about setting an example. when you get people talking about things you’re passionate about, it gets them thinking, too.

By: MizFit

MizFit — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 23:31:59 +0000

yep, Deb.
The always debated ‘should all kids get a trophy or medal if they *didn’t win* but simply showed up’…

Inflating the self esteem without allowing the kids to earn it/really have something upon which to *anchor* it.
Is that truly even ‘self-esteem’ or just hollow ‘feel good?’

By: Deb

Deb — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 23:23:59 +0000

I started a long detailed response to your post. About “acceptance” and education and setting the bar too low (hint: it started when kids sports started saying; EVERY IS A WINNER. Even if don’t win and don’t really try…).

Decided I really need to blog this instead.

‘xcuse me.

By: Brianna

Brianna — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 23:13:45 +0000

Wow, 73% by the end of THIS year. That’s crazy! I find it hard to believe though, with the increase in number of fitness events (cycling/running/tri/hiking/walks, etc.) and increase in the number of participants that this number will hold. I guess it is up to all of us to help kick that awful statistic right in the keister. Modeling, modeling, modeling . . . and offering support to others (starting in our own homes!) are two great ways to start.

By: MizFit

MizFit — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 23:11:06 +0000

I guess it’s like that old adage of how one twig is easily snapped, but take a whole bunch together and their strength is a force to be reckoned with.

Id missed that adage (the one I recall is from the play Youre A Good Man Charlie Brown & it’s something Lucy says about the fingers individually being nothing but when they come together as a fist….Im the consummate intellectual).

I love that adage.

(and Marste we love your longwindedness. just so you know )

By: Marste

Marste — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:45:22 +0000

Ok, I was going to leave a comment, but it got REALLY long. I seem to suffer from that lately.

So, the short version is: what Heather said.

By: Tony K

Tony K — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:07:47 +0000

Hey M,

Great thought provoking post.

I hate to think that I’m average. I don’t run with the herd. Sadly, in a lot of weighs (haha), average has become much worse.

So average is clearly not something to be proud of. I will say though that I think you need to separate weight and fitness. I think they are, or can be, related in many people, but it is not a direct relation.

I really believe that once you get the your diet right, you can get your weight under control, whereas fitness is more directly related to your activity level. in other words, “Fit or Fat” is a false dichotomy.

I wrote something on e4e about exercise and weight loss.
http://www.emotionsforengineers.com/2008/08/take-care-of-black-box-exercise-for.html

Also, I use my polar heart rate monitor to give me cardio workoputs and measure progress. My VO2 max is around 40 or so, which is good for my geezerly age.

Cheers,
Tony