Having abs is about as good a measure of your health as a vegemite toast is of your intelligence.
But it doesn’t stop us from parading abs as the epitome of health and fitness.
Sure, abs are muscles, and working on them is part of a well-rounded fitness regimen. But having a visible six-pack doesn’t correlate with one’s fitness level.
And it definitely doesn’t correlate with health. I used to have a six-pack in my 20s, and it was the unhealthiest I’ve ever been, even if I did look fit.
Having abs simply means you have a body fat percentage low enough to make them visible. And most of the time, it’s tied to the genetic lottery.
Fixating on abs could be driving you towards unhealthy practices. Over-exercising, restrictive diets, unnecessary stress — just to get a hint of those coveted abs lines.
What gets lost in this absolution is the fact that health and fitness are so much more than our ability to resemble a fucking Marvel character.
True fitness is about strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and mental wellbeing.
And what’s the secret ingredient to all of these?
Consistent, varied, and enjoyable physical activity. Let’s redefine fitness as something holistic*, something that enhances your life rather than dominates it.
-J
*I loathe the term “holistic”. It sounds like I want to move to a farm and start a cult. Which I do not. Any suggestions to replace it? Hit me up.