Time for a bit of levity in my blog. I teach exercise science, so I spend my days talking about the importance of exercise and the various trends in the fitness industry. It seems to me that one of the most significant trends in fitness is the notion that six-pack abs (abdominal muscles) are a necessity for one to demonstrate his or her fitness. The “fit and fat” debate is lost. Our only goal is a washboard stomach. A higher oxidative capacity (i.e., VO2max)? Well, that isn’t necessary. Just do a 12-minute HIIT workout and burn those calories. Muscle strength? No one cares. Just lift the weights that look big. Flexibility? Just be able to raise your arm high enough to take a selfie. Muscle endurance? How many crunches can you do? More planks, bro. Fitness is about appearance, dude. Nice abs.
Here is my honest opinion: If my life is threatened, and I am looking for someone to have my back, I am not going to look for the guy with the great chiseled abs. I am going to look for the guy with the thick neck and cauliflower ears. Yes. I am going to look to the guy with useable strength and the experience using it.
Now, I am not knocking bodybuilding. Bodybuilders work really hard to get their physiques. Personally, I don’t want to put in that kind of time and effort. On top of this, I like food. (And I don’t have the best genes for bodybuilding.)
I would encourage a shift in the focus of the general population. If you are not training for bodybuilding or a modeling career, worry less about the abs. Consider the other aspects of health. Do what will improve function. Don’t go shirtless, if you can’t wear shorts because you have chicken legs. (In other words, don’t “skip leg day”.) Exercise to be healthy and well. If you can be more athletically active, do so. Abs are not a requirement of fitness. They are the product of fitness.
Exercise to what suits you. Develop your potential, but don’t compare yourself with others. Bodies differ. Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Have fun. Get active. Be fit!
Carpe momento!
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