The Definition of Fit
As I’ve immersed myself deeper and deeper into the bodybuilding lifestyle, my attitude about what it means to be fit has gradually evolved over time. At first, I wanted a physique like Steve Reeves’ - wide, powerful shoulders; deep, thick back; impossibly narrow waist; and tree trunk thighs. When I realized my genetic structure would not support a physique like that, I set my sights on another (though no less ambitious) goal - I wanted to a twelve-inch drop between my chest and waist. To me, this is the Holy Grail of body types. It automatically gives one that V-taper that is so admired by men and women alike. Then, I came across this.
Men’s Health has listed ten things every man should be able to do in order to call himself "fit". (Women, I assume, have different criteria, and if I have the time and if I remember to do so, I will research what Women’s Health has to say on the topic.) Here is the list as published on the Men’s Health web site.
- Bench 1.5 times your body weight
- Run 1.5 miles in 10 minutes
- Touch the rim
- Leg-Press 2.5 times your body weight
- Swim 700 yards in 12 minutes
- Do 40 pushups
- Measure up (explained in more detail below)
- Run 300 yards in under 1 minute
- Touch your toes
- Toss a basketball 75 feet while kneeling
Before commenting on the list, let me explain number 7. First, take a good look at yourself. If your belly is growing faster than your butt, you have bigger problems than figuring out how to get a tan without taking off your shirt. The more fat your body stores in your midsection, the higher your risk of heart disease. And this much we know: Fit men don’t get heart disease.
The Test: The easiest method of determining your risk level is a comparison of your waist and hip circumferences. Grab a measuring tape and measure the circumference of your waist at the narrowest point. Then measure the distance around the widest part of your hips and butt. Divide your waist circumference by your hip circumference for your score.
The Scorecard:
0.92 or higher: Your wife and kids are going to miss you
0.82 to 0.91: Ordinary
0.81 or less: Flat and happy
Of the items on this list, I cannot do numbers 1, 3, & 5. Some would say that seven out of ten isn’t bad, but that’s not good enough for me. I’m actively working on the swimming exercise (although 700 yards in 12 minutes seems like a daunting task at the moment). I’m halfway to the goal on number 1. As far as number 3 goes, I haven’t tried to do this since my days playing college ball. Now that I know this is a criterion for optimal fitness, I’m going to have to go out, find a basketball rim and practice jumping until I can touch the rim.
How well do you stack up? Thoughts and comments are welcomed and encouraged.
July 18, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Well I couldn’t do #3 unless I had flubber on the bottom of my shoes. Not even sure I can still touch the NET, even with a running start.