How do you judge fitness/activity level?

JanieJack

I've read many posts here where people say they (like me) want a future partner who is fit and active. That makes sense, since we're all on MFP to improve our health and fitness. Other than looks, how can you decide (in the first couple minutes you meet someone and decide whether or not you want their number) that they might be fit enough for your tastes?

What I'm getting at here, is we often say looks shouldn't matter, but when it comes to romance some very important qualities (like fitness and activity level) are often pre-judged based on the person's appearance.

You wouldn't look at me and know I run races. Most people are shocked, and give me the "up and down" look in disbelief when I tell them about my latest race. It frustrates me, but I will admit even I do the same thing to others sometimes.

MissingMinnesota

This is one of the reasons that online dating will not work for someone that is larger but active and losing weight.
If I meet a person in person I can see their movements, how they dress, how they take care of themselves, etc while online we only see pictures and then what they say in their profile and most people only believe about 50% of what is in the profile so if it doesn't match the pictures we will not believe what they are saying. So unless I a picture of them running a race or hiking, etc I will believe that they have run 1 race and it was 5 years ago.

shammxo

That's a really good question!
I met my man at the gym when I needed a spot... (it wasn't even a tactic). So that was a pretty good hint.

You're right, physical appearance isn't really that great of an indicator. I know a lot of people who are "larger" than me, but could almost definitely out-run me. I guess it would have to be through some sort of action or conversation even. Maybe seeing them doing something active, or like you said, talking about it... i.e. you mentioning your race.

I don't know.. I'm curious to see what people say!

oddyogi

I agree with both of the posts so far.. I would rather be with a "bigger" guy who is active than a guy who is naturally lean LOOKING but can't run a mile or do 50 pushups to save his life.

ETA: I guess that just comes with getting to know the person.

pa_jorg

I think this is one of the many, many, many things that you just have to have a little faith and trust in that the person is telling the truth. But obviously, if things work out, you'll know the answer soon enough.

yoovie

I ogle his body from top to bottom and growl just quietly enough that he wont hear me - but it's way louder in my head.

Im doing it right now.

julesboots

I ogle his body from top to bottom and growl just quietly enough that he wont hear me - but it's way louder in my head.

Im doing it right now.

Ha! I think I did that growl outloud for the first time in my life last night. (Frozen yogurt is the new meat market for the 30-50 crowd- so many cute guys)

Anyway, I have no idea how physical activity is judged without l assessing weight/body fat, even though I know that those aren't always good indicators. I totally doubted the activity level of a good friend the first year I knew him until he started trying to alleviate my skiing phobia. He's totally an athlete, but you'd never know.

AnnaPixie

There are thin couch potatoes and there are fat couch potatoes.

I dont think physique is any indicator at all. If he's a lazy SOB it's just one of those things you'll find out soon enough. Even a gym rat may not want to go for a walk with me at midnight on a hot summers night, or go skiing for a long weekend :noway: So it's not only if someone is fit and active, it's what kind of fit and active gels with yours :flowerforyou:

lacroyx

This is one of the reasons that online dating will not work for someone that is larger but active and losing weight.
If I meet a person in person I can see their movements, how they dress, how they take care of themselves, etc while online we only see pictures and then what they say in their profile and most people only believe about 50% of what is in the profile so if it doesn't match the pictures we will not believe what they are saying. So unless I a picture of them running a race or hiking, etc I will believe that they have run 1 race and it was 5 years ago.

I'm ****ed. :laugh: However I agree. Without knowning the person personally you have to take their word for it. A good example of this is when I tell people I go to the gym. They look at me and I got the linebacker physique going on, they don't question it. I look like I lift, which I do. However when I tell people I do Zumba they smile, sometimes laugh, and think I am joking. :indifferent: Maybe it's cuz I'm a guy and fairly large, 6'3 300+ lbs.