What is your definition of "fit"?

stormieweather

When you label someone as "fit", what criteria do you personally use to determine that? Bodyfat? BMI? Endurance? Athletic ability? Size? Weight? One or more of these things in relation to their age? For example, would you apply the same criteria to a 25 yr old that you would to a 50 yr old? Do you consider a person who can achieve one or more great physical feats as "fit" even though they may be "obese" or otherwise unhealthy?

I'm just curious to see how everyone's definition's differ (if at all).

BrendaLee

I consider fitness the ability to do intense cardio for extended periods of time without dying. :P

kiki41

do mildly strenuous activity without getting winded or tiring out, feel more energy.

Erica_theRedhead

I remember my coach from high school saying that you would be fit if you could keep your HR at a cardio level for 30 minutes straight, without getting too winded or stopping

AZackery

Just because someone is obese, doesn't mean they are unhealthy. I'm obese and I'm fit. A person doesn't have to be a certain size or look at certain way to be fit. They don't even have to be a certain age to be fit.

Chubbyhulagirl

I believe fit is when you can sustain a fairly intense (for your age) cardio workout for longer than 20 minutes repeatedly.

Chubbyhulagirl

Just because someone is obese, doesn't mean they are unhealthy. I'm obese and I'm fit. A person doesn't have to be a certain size or look at certain way to be fit. They don't even have to be a certain age to be fit.

What is your actual opinion of fit? I dont want to call you out or seem mean but when I think "obese" I dont really ever think fit or healthy. I always thought obese was when you reach a certain point of facing health problems due to your weight, extremely dangerously high body fat percentage, difficulty exercising, etc. I dont really include BMI because it is so off alot of the time. I can understand feeling pretty healthy but can you really be fit and obese? Im really sorry if this is coming across inconsiderate or obnoxious. That is not my intent at all. Good luck in all your health and life goals!

hsmithway

Suitable for the intended purpose. Clear as mud, right? :laugh:

In all seriousness, I do beleive that there are a lot of factors in determing what type of fitness is right for you, and a lot of it depends on what you're trying to accomplish. Maybe you just want to be able to maintain a healthy body weight and take the stairs to your office on the 4th floor without being sweaty and panting by the time you get there. Maybe you want to play rugby. Go running. Shovel the driveway without running out of steam. Play soccer with your kids.

Yes, there probably is a bare minimum for each person just to keep their basic bodily functions in the normal healthy range, but as far as the things above and beyond that go, I feel that you should be able to accomplish the things *you* want to do, and the things that are right for your lifestyle.

AZackery

Just because someone is obese, doesn't mean they are unhealthy. I'm obese and I'm fit. A person doesn't have to be a certain size or look at certain way to be fit. They don't even have to be a certain age to be fit.

What is your actual opinion of fit? I dont want to call you out or seem mean but when I think "obese" I dont really ever think fit or healthy. I always thought obese was when you reach a certain point of facing health problems due to your weight, extremely dangerously high body fat percentage, difficulty exercising, etc. I dont really include BMI because it is so off alot of the time. I can understand feeling pretty healthy but can you really be fit and obese? Im really sorry if this is coming across inconsiderate or obnoxious. That is not my intent at all. Good luck in all your health and life goals!

A person can have a low body fat percentage and still not be fit. A person can be skinny and still not be fit. As I have said before, I'm obese and fit. Yes, I have a high body fat percentage and on both the body fat percentage and bmi chart, I'm classified as being obese. I really don't care about the bmi chart.

Although, I'm obese, I can out exercise a lot of people that have a lower body fat percentage and not only that, I'm capable of doing things they can't do. A lot of people think that because a person is thin, they are healthy and that's not true. A lot of overweight people eat healthier than skinny people. The saying, looks can be deceiving is so true.

Chubbyhulagirl

Just because someone is obese, doesn't mean they are unhealthy. I'm obese and I'm fit. A person doesn't have to be a certain size or look at certain way to be fit. They don't even have to be a certain age to be fit.

What is your actual opinion of fit? I dont want to call you out or seem mean but when I think "obese" I dont really ever think fit or healthy. I always thought obese was when you reach a certain point of facing health problems due to your weight, extremely dangerously high body fat percentage, difficulty exercising, etc. I dont really include BMI because it is so off alot of the time. I can understand feeling pretty healthy but can you really be fit and obese? Im really sorry if this is coming across inconsiderate or obnoxious. That is not my intent at all. Good luck in all your health and life goals!

A person can have a low body fat percentage and still not be fit. A person can be skinny and still not be fit. As I have said before, I'm obese and fit. Yes, I have a high body fat percentage and on both the body fat percentage and bmi chart, I'm classified as being obese. I really don't care about the bmi chart.

Although, I'm obese, I can out exercise a lot of people that have a lower body fat percentage and not only that, I'm capable of doing things they can't do. A lot of people think that because a person is thin, they are healthy and that's not true. A lot of overweight people eat healthier than skinny people. The saying, looks can be deceiving is so true.

I definately agree that thin doesnt automatically equal fit. Do you feel fit is being able to exercise for your weight? BMI is pretty much always off, especially the shorter you are. I also dont use the online body fat percentage charts. I only go with the doctors or gym staff fat clipper things. Looks can be decieving. I am 5ft1in. and am overweight at 166lb but just ran 4 miles straight in 43min and 30sec. I still wouldnt consider myself fit though. I may be healthier than the average woman my height and weight but if you put an actual fit woman who is my height next to me, she would probably blow me away and definately weigh less than me. I think that is true for you also. Especially due to the fact that with a healthy diet and exercise, we will most likely lose weight/build muscle. Just because we are healthier than the average person our size and even some unhealthy people who are smaller than us, does not make us fit. We are at dangerous weights for our health and for the maintenance of our bodies (knees, joints, hearts, etc). I think when we are out of this "danger zone" between overweight and obese, we could be labeled fit but until then I disagree with your statement of obese and fit.

AZackery

Just because someone is obese, doesn't mean they are unhealthy. I'm obese and I'm fit. A person doesn't have to be a certain size or look at certain way to be fit. They don't even have to be a certain age to be fit.

What is your actual opinion of fit? I dont want to call you out or seem mean but when I think "obese" I dont really ever think fit or healthy. I always thought obese was when you reach a certain point of facing health problems due to your weight, extremely dangerously high body fat percentage, difficulty exercising, etc. I dont really include BMI because it is so off alot of the time. I can understand feeling pretty healthy but can you really be fit and obese? Im really sorry if this is coming across inconsiderate or obnoxious. That is not my intent at all. Good luck in all your health and life goals!

A person can have a low body fat percentage and still not be fit. A person can be skinny and still not be fit. As I have said before, I'm obese and fit. Yes, I have a high body fat percentage and on both the body fat percentage and bmi chart, I'm classified as being obese. I really don't care about the bmi chart.

Although, I'm obese, I can out exercise a lot of people that have a lower body fat percentage and not only that, I'm capable of doing things they can't do. A lot of people think that because a person is thin, they are healthy and that's not true. A lot of overweight people eat healthier than skinny people. The saying, looks can be deceiving is so true.

I definately agree that thin doesnt automatically equal fit. Do you feel fit is being able to exercise for your weight? BMI is pretty much always off, especially the shorter you are. I also dont use the online body fat percentage charts. I only go with the doctors or gym staff fat clipper things. Looks can be decieving. I am 5ft1in. and am overweight at 166lb but just ran 4 miles straight in 43min and 30sec. I still wouldnt consider myself fit though. I may be healthier than the average woman my height and weight but if you put an actual fit woman who is my height next to me, she would probably blow me away and definately weigh less than me. I think that is true for you also. Especially due to the fact that with a healthy diet and exercise, we will most likely lose weight/build muscle. Just because we are healthier than the average person our size and even some unhealthy people who are smaller than us, does not make us fit. We are at dangerous weights for our health and for the maintenance of our bodies (knees, joints, hearts, etc). I think when we are out of this "danger zone" between overweight and obese, we could be labeled fit but until then I disagree with your statement of obese and fit.

We are the same height and I weigh more than you. I don't care about my scale weight, I focus on my body fat percentage, pounds of fat and inches. When I reach my goal, I will still weigh more than you and not be classified as being obese anymore on the body fat percentage chart, but according to the bmi chart, I will still be classified as being obese.

For our height, we are supposed to be 101 pounds. That's what my doctor wants me to get down to and I will never get down to that weight. The biggest I ever was, before gaining weight was 125 pounds and it took me four years to get up to 145 pounds. I don't even want to see either of those scale weight numbers. My number will be higher. I will not share that number, until I get there.

Just because someone is my height and have less body fat, it doesn't mean they are fit or even healthier than I am. I'm obese and fit.

Chubbyhulagirl

Just because someone is obese, doesn't mean they are unhealthy. I'm obese and I'm fit. A person doesn't have to be a certain size or look at certain way to be fit. They don't even have to be a certain age to be fit.

What is your actual opinion of fit? I dont want to call you out or seem mean but when I think "obese" I dont really ever think fit or healthy. I always thought obese was when you reach a certain point of facing health problems due to your weight, extremely dangerously high body fat percentage, difficulty exercising, etc. I dont really include BMI because it is so off alot of the time. I can understand feeling pretty healthy but can you really be fit and obese? Im really sorry if this is coming across inconsiderate or obnoxious. That is not my intent at all. Good luck in all your health and life goals!

A person can have a low body fat percentage and still not be fit. A person can be skinny and still not be fit. As I have said before, I'm obese and fit. Yes, I have a high body fat percentage and on both the body fat percentage and bmi chart, I'm classified as being obese. I really don't care about the bmi chart.

Although, I'm obese, I can out exercise a lot of people that have a lower body fat percentage and not only that, I'm capable of doing things they can't do. A lot of people think that because a person is thin, they are healthy and that's not true. A lot of overweight people eat healthier than skinny people. The saying, looks can be deceiving is so true.

I definately agree that thin doesnt automatically equal fit. Do you feel fit is being able to exercise for your weight? BMI is pretty much always off, especially the shorter you are. I also dont use the online body fat percentage charts. I only go with the doctors or gym staff fat clipper things. Looks can be decieving. I am 5ft1in. and am overweight at 166lb but just ran 4 miles straight in 43min and 30sec. I still wouldnt consider myself fit though. I may be healthier than the average woman my height and weight but if you put an actual fit woman who is my height next to me, she would probably blow me away and definately weigh less than me. I think that is true for you also. Especially due to the fact that with a healthy diet and exercise, we will most likely lose weight/build muscle. Just because we are healthier than the average person our size and even some unhealthy people who are smaller than us, does not make us fit. We are at dangerous weights for our health and for the maintenance of our bodies (knees, joints, hearts, etc). I think when we are out of this "danger zone" between overweight and obese, we could be labeled fit but until then I disagree with your statement of obese and fit.

We are the same height and I weigh more than you. I don't care about my scale weight, I focus on my body fat percentage, pounds of fat and inches. When I reach my goal, I will still weigh more than you and not be classified as being obese anymore on the body fat percentage chart, but according to the bmi chart, I will still be classified as being obese.

For our height, we are supposed to be 101 pounds. That's what my doctor wants me to get down to and I will never get down to that weight. The biggest I ever was, before gaining weight was 125 pounds and it took me four years to get up to 145 pounds. I don't even want to see either of those scale weight numbers. My number will be higher. I will not share that number, until I get there.

Just because someone is my height and have less body fat, it doesn't mean they are fit or even healthier than I am. I'm obese and fit.

You should get a new doctor. Lol. My doctor said I was healthy at 135lbs regardless of what the BMI chart says. I am or was actually stocky and very muscular. Then I had three kids and got pretty tubby. I think its great you can work out and know what you want to accomplish. Lets agree to disagree, shall we?

melrose09

To me fit simply means healthy and active.

I don't think you can define it beyond that. I was a gymnast most of my childhood and was in incredible shape, but I had never run more than a mile until this fall. In my sport, it wasn't necessary. But, I could do a 90-120 second all out floor routine defying the laws of gravity that require as much "fitness" as a marathon runner. I'm extremely fit, but I rarely do more than 30 minutes of straight up cardio.

AZackery

Just because someone is obese, doesn't mean they are unhealthy. I'm obese and I'm fit. A person doesn't have to be a certain size or look at certain way to be fit. They don't even have to be a certain age to be fit.

What is your actual opinion of fit? I dont want to call you out or seem mean but when I think "obese" I dont really ever think fit or healthy. I always thought obese was when you reach a certain point of facing health problems due to your weight, extremely dangerously high body fat percentage, difficulty exercising, etc. I dont really include BMI because it is so off alot of the time. I can understand feeling pretty healthy but can you really be fit and obese? Im really sorry if this is coming across inconsiderate or obnoxious. That is not my intent at all. Good luck in all your health and life goals!

A person can have a low body fat percentage and still not be fit. A person can be skinny and still not be fit. As I have said before, I'm obese and fit. Yes, I have a high body fat percentage and on both the body fat percentage and bmi chart, I'm classified as being obese. I really don't care about the bmi chart.

Although, I'm obese, I can out exercise a lot of people that have a lower body fat percentage and not only that, I'm capable of doing things they can't do. A lot of people think that because a person is thin, they are healthy and that's not true. A lot of overweight people eat healthier than skinny people. The saying, looks can be deceiving is so true.

I definately agree that thin doesnt automatically equal fit. Do you feel fit is being able to exercise for your weight? BMI is pretty much always off, especially the shorter you are. I also dont use the online body fat percentage charts. I only go with the doctors or gym staff fat clipper things. Looks can be decieving. I am 5ft1in. and am overweight at 166lb but just ran 4 miles straight in 43min and 30sec. I still wouldnt consider myself fit though. I may be healthier than the average woman my height and weight but if you put an actual fit woman who is my height next to me, she would probably blow me away and definately weigh less than me. I think that is true for you also. Especially due to the fact that with a healthy diet and exercise, we will most likely lose weight/build muscle. Just because we are healthier than the average person our size and even some unhealthy people who are smaller than us, does not make us fit. We are at dangerous weights for our health and for the maintenance of our bodies (knees, joints, hearts, etc). I think when we are out of this "danger zone" between overweight and obese, we could be labeled fit but until then I disagree with your statement of obese and fit.

We are the same height and I weigh more than you. I don't care about my scale weight, I focus on my body fat percentage, pounds of fat and inches. When I reach my goal, I will still weigh more than you and not be classified as being obese anymore on the body fat percentage chart, but according to the bmi chart, I will still be classified as being obese.

For our height, we are supposed to be 101 pounds. That's what my doctor wants me to get down to and I will never get down to that weight. The biggest I ever was, before gaining weight was 125 pounds and it took me four years to get up to 145 pounds. I don't even want to see either of those scale weight numbers. My number will be higher. I will not share that number, until I get there.

Just because someone is my height and have less body fat, it doesn't mean they are fit or even healthier than I am. I'm obese and fit.

You should get a new doctor. Lol. My doctor said I was healthy at 135lbs regardless of what the BMI chart says. I am or was actually stocky and very muscular. Then I had three kids and got pretty tubby. I think its great you can work out and know what you want to accomplish. Lets agree to disagree, shall we?

We don't agree and that's fine with me.

greenhumanclay

Just because someone is obese, doesn't mean they are unhealthy. I'm obese and I'm fit. A person doesn't have to be a certain size or look at certain way to be fit. They don't even have to be a certain age to be fit.

What is your actual opinion of fit? I dont want to call you out or seem mean but when I think "obese" I dont really ever think fit or healthy. I always thought obese was when you reach a certain point of facing health problems due to your weight, extremely dangerously high body fat percentage, difficulty exercising, etc. I dont really include BMI because it is so off alot of the time. I can understand feeling pretty healthy but can you really be fit and obese? Im really sorry if this is coming across inconsiderate or obnoxious. That is not my intent at all. Good luck in all your health and life goals!

A person can have a low body fat percentage and still not be fit. A person can be skinny and still not be fit. As I have said before, I'm obese and fit. Yes, I have a high body fat percentage and on both the body fat percentage and bmi chart, I'm classified as being obese. I really don't care about the bmi chart.

Although, I'm obese, I can out exercise a lot of people that have a lower body fat percentage and not only that, I'm capable of doing things they can't do. A lot of people think that because a person is thin, they are healthy and that's not true. A lot of overweight people eat healthier than skinny people. The saying, looks can be deceiving is so true.

I definately agree that thin doesnt automatically equal fit. Do you feel fit is being able to exercise for your weight? BMI is pretty much always off, especially the shorter you are. I also dont use the online body fat percentage charts. I only go with the doctors or gym staff fat clipper things. Looks can be decieving. I am 5ft1in. and am overweight at 166lb but just ran 4 miles straight in 43min and 30sec. I still wouldnt consider myself fit though. I may be healthier than the average woman my height and weight but if you put an actual fit woman who is my height next to me, she would probably blow me away and definately weigh less than me. I think that is true for you also. Especially due to the fact that with a healthy diet and exercise, we will most likely lose weight/build muscle. Just because we are healthier than the average person our size and even some unhealthy people who are smaller than us, does not make us fit. We are at dangerous weights for our health and for the maintenance of our bodies (knees, joints, hearts, etc). I think when we are out of this "danger zone" between overweight and obese, we could be labeled fit but until then I disagree with your statement of obese and fit.

We are the same height and I weigh more than you. I don't care about my scale weight, I focus on my body fat percentage, pounds of fat and inches. When I reach my goal, I will still weigh more than you and not be classified as being obese anymore on the body fat percentage chart, but according to the bmi chart, I will still be classified as being obese.

For our height, we are supposed to be 101 pounds. That's what my doctor wants me to get down to and I will never get down to that weight. The biggest I ever was, before gaining weight was 125 pounds and it took me four years to get up to 145 pounds. I don't even want to see either of those scale weight numbers. My number will be higher. I will not share that number, until I get there.

Just because someone is my height and have less body fat, it doesn't mean they are fit or even healthier than I am. I'm obese and fit.

You should get a new doctor. Lol. My doctor said I was healthy at 135lbs regardless of what the BMI chart says. I am or was actually stocky and very muscular. Then I had three kids and got pretty tubby. I think its great you can work out and know what you want to accomplish. Lets agree to disagree, shall we?

I agree with you as well

Di3012

To me, the fitter somebody is the more able they are to be able to do their exercise without passing out or being completely breathless.

To be "fit looking" is, to me, somebody who looks athletic and toned.

justle

Ah now see, I thought I was fit when i was obese i could still run, swim do exercise dvd's etc and keep up with my friends/family BUT now that i'm no longer obese i realize that in comparison with my fitness now i wasn't fit at all, so i think realistically you cant really say that your obese and fit until you get to the stage where your "healthy" and fit (i'll add here that i wont say a definite "i'm fit" because i'm not healthy fit, i'm still packing extra weight which of course hinders my fitness because lets face it, its extra fat dragging down my body.

so yeah, i think someone who is fit is someone who has a low body fat% which you cant have whilst your obese has well toned and worked muscles, good endurance, regularly exercises and also a healthy mindset.

thefuzz1290

You can be obese and fit at the same time, just look at NFL linemen.

AZackery

Ah now see, I thought I was fit when i was obese i could still run, swim do exercise dvd's etc and keep up with my friends/family BUT now that i'm no longer obese i realize that in comparison with my fitness now i wasn't fit at all, so i think realistically you cant really say that your obese and fit until you get to the stage where your "healthy" and fit (i'll add here that i wont say a definite "i'm fit" because i'm not healthy fit, i'm still packing extra weight which of course hinders my fitness because lets face it, its extra fat dragging down my body.

so yeah, i think someone who is fit is someone who has a low body fat% which you cant have whilst your obese has well toned and worked muscles, good endurance, regularly exercises and also a healthy mindset.

Having a low body fat percentage doesn't make a person fit. A lot of people have a low body fat percentage and they don't even exercise. So, can someone honestly say they are fit, because they have low body fat percentage?

A person has a right to feel they aren't fit, if they are obese, but I'm obese and I'm fit. I'm the only one that can speak for my body.

fiberartist219

I consider my dad to be more "fit" or "in shape" than I am. He still looks like an old man, but he can chase around kids all day long and go on 50 mile bike rides and feel fine.

Personally, I get winded pretty fast, and a 40 minute cardio workout makes me feel exhausted for the rest of the day.

My husband is more fit than I am. I can't seem to carry groceries, open doors or do any repairs around the house without grunting, huffing and puffing. He can hang up pegboard in 5 minutes after I've struggled with it for hours. Granted, women are generally not as physically able to do things as men, but I am certain that I am weaker than most healthy women. I was play fighting with a coworker a couple years ago. She is literally 95lbs, and I was 150 at the time and she was stronger than I was. (She's not anorexic, she has celiac's, in case anyone was going to spout off about how bad it is to be 95lbs. She can't help it.)

So, I'm trying to do ChaLEAN extreme, and it's a beast, but I am hoping that at the end of the 90 days I will be closer to my idea of "fit."

I don't know that much about measuring body fat and what not, but to me, if someone is out of shape, it becomes obvious when they try to be physically active and they are unable to keep up with their friends or do the things they want to do.