Shape Doesn't Matter, Healthy Comes in All Sizes!

Today I ran into 2 people I've known for a long time. 2 very different shaped people. 2 people who are interested in training for different reasons but the end result is the same - they want to be healthier and happier.

So the first person tells me she saw my site and loves it. She may be calling me. I started to comment that she seemed in good shape because she was thin and walked so much but she immediately admitted she's not walking much lately and her doctor actually suggested she start exercising, her cardiac health is not so good. It reminded me of another client of mine. Thin, looks great - but she's had a heart scare in the past. You never know just by looking at someone what's going on inside. 

It's true - it reminded me of my Nana with her bypass surgery. Not only was my Nana pretty thin her whole life, she actually ate pretty well too (although, now that I recall, she always put a lot of butter on any vegies she served....hmmm I'll save that thought for another post).

From medical research we know that as we get older, (especially women), fat starts to accumulate around our heart muscle and our risk of cardiac trouble increases greatly. Yes, fat around the heart - not elsewhere (well maybe elsewhere too but that's not my point here). Someone can appear thin but don't mistake thin for healthy. Same holds true with cholesterol.

The other person I ran into was of a larger frame. She has been the same shape for the 10 years I've known her. I haven't seen her in awhile. When I told her I had just officially launched my personal training business she replied laughingly "oh and you saw how out of shape I am and I need it." I said no, that's the point, I'm not perfect either. I'm a great trainer BECAUSE I'm not perfect. I hope she checks my site and it gives her some inspiration - she's so beautiful already but she sure would live longer if she got a little healthier. She will figure it out when she is ready.

I hope people will realize that it's not the shape of their bodies that counts, it's what is going on inside. Your heart, your lungs, your joints - every thing you can't see - that's what matters, that's what drives us all.

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