Fitness – It’s What’s On the Inside That Counts
After two decades as an athlete and trainer, I’ve noticed that one’s body composition does not necessarily correlate with one’s fitness level…A wise coach once told me to “gain a few pounds,” during my off-season, and to let my “muscles go soft.” 👍
I follow this advice every year, which means despite a plethora of six-pack photos on social media, I am NOT super lean year-round; it’s just that I always take my off-season in the winter, when I’m never shirtless for races or photos. 📸
Until a few weeks ago…
I started getting a tight IT band while running, but rather than cross train a few days, I took an early off-season, leaving me to ease back in to training while it’s still warm out, revealing a slightly softer and curvier version of your favorite athlete. 😬
What’s cool is that according to my Strava fitness trend, even with a few extra lbs, I am aerobically fitter now (thanks to my new coach, David Roche), than I was a couple months ago when I had a “six-pack!” Go figure! 😅
My conclusion? Like in sports, life has its seasons; and in athletics, much like in life, it’s not the outside that counts – it’s the inside. ❤️Just wanted to throw these thoughts out there for anyone struggling with body image today… ❤️
You’re wonderful, and you are so much more than what you happen to look like right now. 🌹