Size Doesn't Matter!

Size does not matter. It has taken me quite a while to truly understand what this statement means. You can be skinny and unhealthy. You can be curvy and in fantastic shape. You can be heavy, considered overweight even and still be in better shape than someone 50 pounds lighter than you! 

Of course! You chuckle quietly to yourself as you read this. How did I not know that? Did I really think the only type of fitness that existed was less than 15% body fat, no love handles, able to run a marathon and abs to talk about?

No! Geez! I know that in a broad sense. I know that when I'm talking to a girlfriend who wants to lose a few pounds. Or my mom who at almost 70 is in better shape than anyone I know! But when it come to myself? Well, I guess I didn’t realize that I could ease up on my fitness parameters a little too!

So I have taken a different approach. The “I want to be strong, healthy and around a long time for my kids” approach.
Okay, so what does that mean exactly?

Well first off, SIZE DOESN’T MATTER! Phew. Cause after having babies…… well, that’s just it. Everything is different after having babies. But can I play in the snow with my boy without gasping for air? Yup. Can I get down on the floor to build a lego castle pretty comfortably? Yup. Can I run a mile without too much discomfort? Sure, we'll go with that. But my point is, I am physically capable of doing these things fairly effortlessly. Would I like to be able to run a 10k in under an hour again? Heck ya! But when life is busy, these things take good time management and patience.

Next, strong heart and lungs. SUPER important. If you think about it, besides your brain, they are pretty much the most important parts to your physical existence. Don’t do things to them that you wouldn’t want someone doing to you. Take care of them. Don’t alter your body, and eat fairly well. The perimeter of the grocery store is where I try to shop. Fresh veggies, low fat cuts of meat, cheese, eggs, milk.  (Sometimes Ben and Jerry’s is important though.) 

Sanity comes next! Get outside at least once a day. Fresh air is good for everyone! Stand up and move around once an hour. Get your blood flowing. Maybe a brisk walk a few times a week. Go with a friend or listen to your favorite playlist. OR just enjoy being quiet and remember to take a deep breath and smell whatever season you are blessed to be outside in.
Do something for you. Whatever that something is. However long it takes you. Enjoy it. Be it. 

And if you are one of the many people I know whose daily physical activity consists of taking care of animals, indoor or out, remember to be grateful. Try to leave a little extra time so you can reap the full benefits of being a caretaker. And in this wonderful winter weather of ours, wear your ice cleats for gosh sake!

I guess the moral of my blog is….. JUST MOVE! Stay active! Be grateful! If you're skinny and can't walk up the stairs without being out of breath, do something about it! If you're curvy and can run a happy, sweaty mile. Then awesome! (Do your thighs rub together uncomfortably when you run though? Wear longer shorts or Body Glide, both work great!) But just keep moving.

And whenever it is that you are reading this. Stop. Take a deep breath. Put your hand on your chest. Thank your heart and lungs for all they do for you. 

And know that you are strong and amazing.