A delve into research on this topic yields surprisingly little info, none of it consistent.  Definitions of fitness vary depending on who you ask, so I have come to believe that fitness is a relative term.  At least I know it has been for me.  These are the phases of “fitness” that I have personally experienced so far in life:

1. In my 20’s fitness was all about how I looked.  I worked out hard and lost weight (a few times), but the focus was definitely on sculpting and achieving a certain look that was pleasing to me. I lifted weights and focused on cardio machines to do the job. I also taught fitness classes, step and circuit.  I pushed myself, and looked at myself a lot in the mirror.
2. In my 30’s fitness was more about athleticism to achieve that same look. I began running long distances (half marathons), and using training to be able to eat whatever I wanted. Unfortunately my body was quite good at adapting to my activities, so that only worked short term.  My weight actually fluctuated more in this phase, and I started to have injuries from my activities (pulled muscles, etc.)
3. Now that I’m in my 40’s, something has shifted, probably because I discovered Nia.  When I first began doing Nia regularly, I continued to run and lift weights as well.  I was still focused on achieving a look, and actually saw Nia as a fun, fulfilling, but not “serious” workout.  It felt different than what I was used to.  It felt less punishing than what I was used to, which led me to believe that it was not as good of a workout. 

Then I began doing Nia 3 times a week, and something shifted. I started to notice that my body responded really well to Nia, and I actually quit caring as much about how I looked and more about how I felt and cared for my body.  I quit comparing my body as much to other bodies, and I began eating better naturally. Maintaining my weight became easier, as did being fit. I finally realized that a workout does not have to feel hard to get results.  It just needs to be thorough and balanced, and fun!  And Nia is all those things for me.

So I guess I am entering the next era of fit for me, which is about feeling healthy and vital in my body.  So far it is working – at my last physical my doctor (the wonderful Sheree Clark, M.D.) praised my health and told me that I am healthier than 99% of her patients.  I feel like I am finally at peace (mostly) in my body.  So it is that I can wear my Nia t-shirt, “I love my body” on most days now!

What about you?  What does “fit” mean to you?  Share your thoughts by leaving a comment!