Workouts That Don't Feel Like Work

So your doctor says you need to exercise more, or maybe you've come to the realization that just dieting isn't enough. You need to exercise. I think now more than ever there are a variety of activities and exercise routines people can do to be active and healthy. Even if you're not the athletic type.

Exercise shouldn't feel like a punishment. Regular exercise not only helps your body, but it helps your mind. It will help control your weight, strengthen your bones, reduce the risk of heart disease, and help you sleep better. Exercise can help relieve stress and improve your overall quality of life. Reward yourself with exercise. Find a way to make it part of your daily or weekly routine.


Dance

So you like to go out to the club on a Saturday night or just dance around the house while doing chores. How about dancing for exercise? Dancing is a fun way to work your whole body without it feeling like a workout. Try one of these:

1. Zumba
2. Belly Dancing
3. Pole Dancing (don't judge by the name, it takes a lot of strength to hold your body up!)
   
4. Jazzercise (one of the original aerobic classes, there's a reason it's still around!)
5. Ballroom Dancing

Stretch

Want to improve your posture, flexibility or just relax? Try yoga or pilates, a la Jennifer Aniston. Today there are a variety of styles of yoga and pilates, so try them out to see which suits you best. Here is a basic guide of 8 major types of yoga.

1. Yoga
2. Pilates

Jump

Remember when you were a kid and wanted (or had)  trampoline? You'd bounce for hours on that thing! It was fun, and little did you know the amount of muscle you were using. Trampolines are trending, with businesses popping up with space to jump for hours. Many even offer dodgeball events or specialized workout classes besides "open jump".

Get Wet

Get in the pool! Don't just work on your tan, but work on your body too. Swimming is a great way to exercise without putting any weight or strain on your body. If swimming laps isn't your thing, just kicking around or treading water works your legs and butt.

Fly

Get in the air with a trapeze class or antigravity yoga! Want to feel suspended in air and build strength at the same time? One of these classes may suit your fancy.

1. Trapeze
   
2. Hammock/Antigravity Fitness

Games

Grab some friends (or your kids) and play. Indoors, outdoors, wherever you can! Think of your childhood.

1. Ultimate Frisbee
2. Hula Hoop
3. Hopscotch
4. Mini Golf
5. Tag
6. Dodgeball
7. Kickball

Wheels

Getting rolling with one of these fun activities! You can do any of these alone or with a buddy.

1. Ice Skate
2. Roller/Inline Skate
3. Bicycle
4. Scooter

What other fun activities can you think of that don't involve a gym or weight lifting? I think you can take almost anything that involves movement a make it a workout. So get to it! Have fun while being active, either by yourself, with friends or family.

Lower Standards of Beauty

You heard that right, lower standards. You may be asking why, but the reason is they are so highly unachievable that girls, young women (and boys/men too) are dying from eating disorders and from whatever supplements they take to try and be the ideal image of beauty. This young woman wrote a powerful post claims that we need to set lower standards for a positive body image. I couldn't agree more.

I know I will never have (naturally) large breasts, I don't have a six-pack, I will never have long lean legs, I will not have perfect clear and tanned skin. As someone who herself is average, I am 5'2 and 125 pounds. Not too fat and certainly not skinny, but in the middle, a little meaty here and there. I have only recently become okay with my body, though I still have bouts with myself and my confidence, but this other young woman who is similar in her average-ness hit the nail on the head. I'm just going to post what she listed needs to be done to change body image, or you can click the hyperlink above to read the full article.


[the following list is not mine, I do not claim to be the owner of these words, I do not take credit whatsoever for them.]

1. We learn to be happy with who we are internally before accepting ourselves externally. (Yes, I am aware that sounds like a load of psychological crap.) But this is huge, really. I promise. I was the master of turning on the confidence on the outside, when on the inside I was eating myself alive because I wasn't happy with life as a whole. Sure, this was mostly during my drinking, but my drinking may be someone else's relationship problem, another person's depression and so on. Everyone has that thing that makes them tick and until that is resolved, it's difficult to be content.
2. If we don't like something, we need to take action. B*tching and moaning will only get us so far, not to mention set a bad example for younger girls. If we want to be more fit, get our butts to the gym. If we want to eat better food, stop buying crap. It's both as simple and as difficult as that.
3. We need to do it for ourselves -- not for husbands, boyfriends or the opposite sex in general. Sure, it feels fantastic to be appealing to them. But if you do something for someone else, it likely won't last or as mean as much. Guys are great, feeling sexy is great -- but do yourself a favor and do it for you.
4. Don't dress how you feel, dress how you want to feel. What I mean is this: If we wake up feeling crappy and unattractive (and we all have those days), we shouldn't just say screw it and throw on sweats. If we do, we'll just feel even worse later in the day. Put in some effort to look presentable, and feeling like it will likely follow.
5. Remember that men struggle too (while keeping in mind #3). Women seem to have this idea that all men desire a model brimming over with sex appeal, and that's not always the case. Think about it -- that's not what we expect from men, so why would that be what they expect from us? Many guys like when women have a little something to them, when they take care of their bodies but aren't a stick figure. Being a confident person is a turn on.
6. We need to strive for healthy, not skinny. There is a difference. Of course the preferred option would be healthy and skinny, but not everyone is born with the ability to constantly diet and live at the gym in exchange for that perfect body. Healthy looks different on different body types, and women (hell, men too) need to realize this.
7. 
   
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I couldn't have said it better. It's all about positivity, people need to stop shaming one another. It happens all too often to regular people and celebrities alike. As soon as someone gains weight or loses weight, or gets a bad haircut or color, it becomes a battle. It's difficult enough that we battle with ourselves, but to have to battle with friends, relatives, peers, or complete strangers? Enough is enough. People think that nowadays with social media and the Internet they can attack others because they can hide behind a screen, which while you can, I ask you to think how the other person hiding behind their screen feels? Whether you think you know someone or not, remember you don't. Remember to think how you would feel if someone said or did something to you. Think twice before you attack someone else. The negativity needs to end so positivity can flourish. And don't be fake about it, don't be nice to a child but then mean to an adult. I'm sure you've heard this phrase, "if you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say it at all". It's an oldie, but a goodie, and can really change how people see and feel about body image.

Give respect, get respect.

Outrage Over Muffin Billboard

I found this bit of news amusing. We all know the term "muffin top" in reference to excess weight that sits around the hips and tends to pour out over tight pants. I have referred to my own excess weight on the hips as a muffin top, but mostly I call it my inner tube or spare tire, since it seems the one place the weight won't leave no matter how hard I try.

Anyway, in Michigan there is a billboard advertisement for a plastic surgeon's office that was vandalized and has been receiving a lot of criticism. The ad has an image of two muffins sitting in tins that look like jeans, an the text reads: "Friends don't let friends muffin top" then gives the name of the surgeon and contact information. Someone defaced the billboard, covering the muffins with smiley faces, crossing out the text and writing "you're beautiful"on it.

While I applaud the vandal's want to make people feel better, it is not meant to be taken serious. It's meant to be humorous. A lot of people are very upset over the ad, saying that it is body shaming and is full of negativity, and so forth. They are happy with what the vandal did, Then there are others saying there's nothing wrong with it, people being overweight and obese is all too common, etc.

Clearly, the ad is working because people are talking about it; it's in the news. That whole notion of bad publicity is better than no publicity holds true. A good advertisement gets people talking. The whole purpose of advertisements is to get word out. This billboard is receiving press around the globe, thanks mostly to social media.

Apparently though, this isn't the first time that Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery has received backlash over their advertisements. They previously had a billboard using similar humor regarding breast implants. That one had an image of two cups of coffee on it labeled "B" and "D" and said "Size Matters". . . now I can see how that one would anger people, mainly women, because of the shame it imposes upon small breast size and the need for larger ones, and it's sexualization of women. That would upset me a lot more because what woman wants to feel inadequate or insecure about their sexual being? I'll admit I am sensitive of my own small breast size, but when it comes to weight––that's a health matter. Whether your breasts are large or small, doesn't matter. But if you're over or under weight, that can have a serious impact on your physical well-being.


So is the billboard offensive? Is it funny? Depends on who you ask. Everyone sees and reads things differently.

Model Shows No Fear of Her Body

Robyn Lawley is at it again! The "plus-sized" model who has spoken about body image and has done the re-imagined SI Swimsuit cover with three other plus-sized models, posted a photo of herself to Instagram, promoting her new swimsuit line.

I would never consider her plus-sized, she seems like an average, healthy, and happy young woman. And many people agree. Social media is flooding with positive comments about her, and negative comments about the modeling industry.

Lawley has been an activist for body image, and has never feared any backlash about her body or weight. She is not shy when it comes to food. *Gasp* models eat?? Lawley certainly does, she blogs about it too. You can read about her food escapades here, she also had a cookbook due out next year.

Way to go Robyn! Keep the positive body image going. Young girls (and women) today need more people like you.

Why BMI Calculators Are Wrong

So I came across this article shaming BMI calculators on how unrealistic they are because they don't take into account real people.

HALLELUJAH!

It's about time someone said it.

I'm sure a lot of people have gone online and checked their BMI or maybe even had it measured at their doctor's office, and you might have wondered how can something so simple be so accurate?

Well, it's not. Sure it can give you an estimate and can help you have an idea of your body, but it does not take into consideration how much of your weight is muscle or fat, water, or even bone density. People can weigh the same, but have different body shapes depending on their fat/muscle ratio.

Take a look at these photos for example:

“BMI is a useful number in general terms, but it doesn’t tell us where the fat is distributed or distinguish between fat and muscle,” said Subhashini Ayloo, MD, a bariatric surgeon at University of Illinois Hospital.

So pretty much if you're an athlete who packs on the muscle, which takes up less space than fat, you can be classified as overweight or obese according the the BMI formula because of your high number. Which when you look at the person, you know there's no way they're overweight. There's barely any fat on them!

A writer from another blog said it best, "You cannot simply calculate your healthy weight from a general source - it depends on several factors, including your overall general health, height, muscle-fat-ratio, bone density, body type, sex, and age".

So don't think about the numbers on the scale. Instead, measure your body. Measure your thighs, hips, waist, and bust. Think more about losing inches or dropping down a size in clothes, and less about pounds.

Body Image Isn't Just About Women

Look at this man:

For those of you who don't know, this is Major League Baseball player Prince Fielder. He plays for the Texas Rangers, and is currently being fat shamed and attacked for his photo in this year's ESPN Magazine Body Issue.

People are taking to Twitter and other social media outlets to bash Fielder, saying things like "he's fat" "he's out of shape" "he's injured often" "I thought the body issue was supposed to show hot bods" "he doesn't deserve to be in this issue" and other hateful things. Just go on Twitter and search his name. It's really disheartening the nasty, negative things people are saying.

Granted, there are some people out there who are praising him for being healthy and not some "carved-up freak". His body is realistic. He doesn't have a six-pack, but he does have muscle, and he works out every day. I mean, HELLOOO he's an MLB player! He's successful, and people are jealous.

Props to him for being proud of who he is and his body. He was asked to be in this special issue and accepted.

I think the reason this is becoming a huge deal and attracting so much attention is because he's a man. We see almost every day women being chastised for their bodies and whether they're too fat or too skinny or not toned enough. And while recently women have been fighting back, and plus sized models have been gaining more positive attention, it's rare to see men being attacked. They tend to be praised or just ignored by the media (unless their body does a total 180, then people are like WTF?).


I fear that men, particularly young boys, are going to start falling into the body image pit with women. I know that it does happen, and it has been happening for years, but I think now more than ever people are obsessed with their bodies. I see more and more young boys popping up at my gym (and others too I'm sure) trying to bulk up before they've even hit puberty! This is not healthy. Lifting weights more than they weigh is only going to stunt their growth or at least hinder the growing process. Young people should be healthy, obesity is an epidemic that is dominating America, but hitting the gym isn't where they need to be. They need to be playing sports or games, being active and social. Not blasting music in their ears, ignoring everything around them, and pumping iron. I don't ever remember boys in elementary or middle school being obsessed or needing six pack abs. We probably didn't even know what abs were!

I think the media, particularly advertising, has realized that the female market is already saturated and it's time to attack the male market. They want to squeeze out as many dollars as they can, from as many people as they can. And while the target audience has mainly been women, because it is assumed that women do more of the shopping or control the spending, women are starting to fight back against this; Which then leaves men. And with smartphones and the ability to look something up and purchase it almost instantly, men who don't typically have the patience for shopping, can do it much easier now.

Even if the cost is a person's self esteem or health, the bottom line is the dollar––and how much can be made.

Being Called Skinny Just as Detrimental as Being Called Fat

Calling someone skinny can be just as detrimental to one's ego as being called fat. In some languages and cultures, skinny is a negative thing. For example, in Latin American cultures where being bigger or curvacious is sexy. In Spanish, skinny translates to "flaco"––even just pronouncing it sounds harsh.

It's also interesting to note that many many years ago, heavier women were deemed best suited for partnership since it showed they were wealthy or came from a wealthy family, where they could afford to eat, drink, and be merry. More weight equaled higher social status. Skinny women (and men) were seen as poor or of lower status.

Then in the last decade, mostly in the fashion/modeling industry, being skinny was ideal.

Thankfully now in recent years, it's all about being healthy, fit and toned, or muscular. Gyms are popping up on every corner. Tons of companies are expanding their workout selections of equipment and clothing. Retail stores have more larger sections for health/fitness. Protein bars and shakes are all the rage. It's great that we are moving in the direction of being healthy, especially considering that obesity is an epidemic in America, and the number of overweight children is frightening.

But there is also a problem at the opposite end of the weight spectrum. Those who are (naturally or not) skinny or extremely thin. Being called skinny can have a negative effect on both men and women just as much as being called fat. Men want to be "big and strong" not skinny, which can be a sign of weakness. While (some) women may feel insecure and less feminine if they are lacking curves in all the right places.

When I was younger and heavier, I craved to be thin and for others to call me skinny. Now that I'm older and beginning to understand and accept my body, I don't want to be skinny. I want to be told I'm "in shape" or be called healthy or fit. I have always been an active person, but I've always battled with my weight. I'm only 5'2, so weight gain is obvious (unfortunately weight loss is not as noticeable) and I know I will have to worry about what and how much I eat, and be sure to exercise my entire life. Thankfully the exercise part is not a problem, since I love going to the gym and playing sports/games. Unfortunately food is my problem.

I like to eat, when there is something I really like, I want a lot of it. Especially sweets, like cookies. Mmm cookies. . . My other issue is that my eyes are bigger than my stomach and I always take way more than I can handle. And sometimes I feel guilty leaving my plate so full, so I will eat until I feel sick. Which by the way, is awful. Sometimes I get to the point that I really do get sick and throw up because I ate too damn much and my stomach feels like it is about to explode. Ugh, not fun.

Though lately I've been learning to take smaller portions, and I try to listen to my body, if I'm eating at home and I'm still hungry, I know I can have more. I also don't feel guilty about bringing home leftovers after a night out. I'd say 90% of the time I bring home leftovers whenever I go out to eat. But seriously, sweets are my weakness. I always have room for desert. Which is one reason the gym is my home away from home. I workout hard to work off whatever 'bad' things I've eaten. While I know that this pattern isn't going to help me lose weight or get six-pack abs, at least I'm not gaining weight. I'm maintaining, which isn't a bad thing. But I want to lose those stubborn 5 pounds that just won't fall off my hips.

But back to the skinny. As I said earlier, for men being skinny may make them seem or feel weak or less masculine and for women they may feel less feminine for their lack of curves. When I would see really thin people in the gym (mainly women), as someone who's always struggled with their weight, I used to get angry and in my head yell "you're skinny! why are you here? go away!" but now I realize that maybe they want to gain weight/muscle, or they just want to be fit/healthy. Just because someone is skinny or thin does NOT mean they are in shape. Maybe it's because I'm a member of Planet Fitness, the judgement free zone (not always the case), but I respect everyone who is at the gym. If you are at the gym, you are better than the person sitting home on the couch with a bag of chips, bottle of soda, binge watching bad TV. Anyone trying to get fit, skinny or not, deserves respect for taking control of their health.

We really need to be careful of what we say to others in regards to body weight. It is a sensitive subject, and everyone has their own story or personal battle with weight or health. It's not up to us to decide or to judge, and while we may feel like attacking the skinny pretty blonde in the gym, or shaming the obese guy eating a cheeseburger, but we don't know them. While we may feel bad or disgusted by the overweight or underweight person, it's not our body, so no reason to worry about it. Sure we can (and will) be observant, it's human nature. But the shaming needs to stop. We need to accept the variety of body types and focus on being healthy, because you can have all the money in the world, but there is no wealth as great as your health (and your life).