When I was doing more personal training, my clients weren't in bad shape. They might have had 15 or 20 pounds to lose, but nothing that I would say fell under the definition of obesity. Even while teaching classes at the gym, most of the people who took my classes were in shape. I guess a lot of people who are obese feel self conscious about the whole gym environment. It can be intimidating with all of those mirrors and people walking around with just a workout bra and shorts.
During our very recent vacation, I was shocked to see the amount of obese people and families at the resort we stayed at. I'd have to say that I counted only 6-10 adults that seemed to be within a healthy weight range at the pool. These in shape people were some of the same people I would see at the fitness center every morning. And let me tell you, the most people at the fitness center when I was there was 3 including me.
It was pretty sad to see people riding scooters to go down the corridors of the resort because they were suffering complications from obesity. Then when we went to Magic Kingdom, the numbers of obese people increased even more. I'd have to say that obesity was the majority there. Did you know they say the average size American woman is a size 14?
I find it sad that most Americans know what is good and bad for them, but they still continue to make bad choices because its easier than making good choices. I'm not talking about making a bad food choice on occasion, we all like to indulge a little bit now and then. But more and more Americans are eating foods that used to be an occasional treat every day, every meal. More and more Americans are choosing not to exercise at all. They'd rather sit in front of the computer or TV. Hey, its okay to relax. Relaxation is very good, but you need to burn more calories than you eat. So if your day consists of a lot of sitting and driving around, you need to adjust your calories accordingly.
What's the point of me writing all of this? Well, it renewed my passion to reach out and help people stay in shape or get in shape. I'm not suggesting that everyone get washboard abs, or super skinny, but just get to a healthy weight. Its not easy to change habits. Its especially hard when you seem to have the whole nation pushing for you to become super-sized. You need to have the desire to change. You need a good support system and have a plan.
I know this might seem overwhelming, but there is hope. You have me and a whole community at Team Beachbody to offer help for free. If you or someone you know is having a hard time sticking to a plan, let me know. I would love to help you.
I'd also love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment here or email me at fitwithjessica@live.com
I hate when they talk about body acceptance and all that and remind us, "The average size for a woman in the U.S. is a 14!" As if that makes it okay for that to be the average size. If most people are unhealthy, why shouldn't you be happy with being that way? *rolls eyes* Not that a 14 is terrible, but I'd like to see that as being the number on the high end of the range, not the average.
ReplyDeleteI agree that sz 14 is not terrible, but most women weren't born to be a sz 14. I think we haveto many things to make use a sz 14 or larger,like fast food, driving everywhere, etc...
ReplyDeleteyah!
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