[camrobjam]

Yes, being "in shape" is a relative statement. I read many of the posts and I love all the responses. "able to do what you want to do physically," "measurements - weight, body composition, waist to hip ratio -within a healthy range," "feeling younger than your age," etc.

What's important is that you love yourself right where you are now. Having a goal is great, having balance in your life is greater! Be happy, love your workouts, and have fun doing it!

Carmel, RD, LDN

[Kellen.Milad]

Echoing many of the previous posts, I also believe the definition of "in shape" will vary from person to person. Regardless, this is a foundational question that is great to explore and revisit. Your definition should be a reflection of individual values and goals rather than an external standard (which can be a great measuring tool for sure!) I see many people run into problems when there is a disconnection from their training, when it just becomes about chasing a number or a time. When your training isn't meaningful to you it will be hard to be consistent and thus hard to see (or maintain) change.

As an advocate of natural movement my definition comes from an evolutionary perspective. "In shape" then becomes an expression of fluidity and strength across the spectrum of human movements (climbing, lifting, running, etc..) and being able to adapt to changing environments and demands. This is a relatively new perspective for my personal definition...and its incredibly fun and empowering! Many others find the literal connotation of a better shape to be a convenient side effect of movement and less stress.

My point is the definition doesn't have to be compartmentalized or confined. Getting in shape can happen indoors or out, it can be formal training or just opportunistic. Discussions like this help open the paradigm on what getting in shape means so everyone can grow, especially important for those adverse to conventional means.

Has anyone else found their definition has evolved over time?

[Homebodies]

I love how different and unique our visions are for being "in shape"! My definition factors in much of what others have already spoken to but also includes a focus on balanced living, health, and functionality.

The phrase "in shape" conventionally calls to mind flat midsections and toned arms, but I feel that it's more than that. Individuals are the sum of their collective parts--their spirituality, personal/professional development, their environments, the relationships they maintain with family/friends, as well as their nutrition, movement, exercise, and rest. To be in shape means that an individual is living a life in which he/she is willing to develop all these parts and bring them into a balance that allows them to thrive.

[ghomann]

I agree with the wellness perspective. To me, being in shape means maintaining a certain minimal level of fitness year round so that I can fully enjoy any activity at any time of year whether it’s skiing, mountain biking, or a 5K. Some people go to the gym for its own sake, and that’s great. As for me, I hit the gym year round but it’s for a purpose. To each his own.

[Nick_123]

I've really enjoyed reading this thread. I love it when people make their own definitions for these things ("happiness"; "successful"; "meaningful"; "great relationship"; "enough" among others, are some that I've got a lot out of defining for myself too).

For me though, "being in shape" starts with two areas - how I feel (energetic, rested, able to use my body the way I would like) and how healthy I am, objectively (blood work, BP, BF, skin condition etc). It does extend out to what I can do (and how I feel when I do it) - to some extent. At the moment though, I'm just going through the process of "getting in shape" - which I'm totally cool with.

Thanks for posting this gweneddk

[Risto Uuk]

Originally Posted by ripock

that's kind of depressing to me because I have never once in my life felt that way. Everything I do, I do with a sense of forced obligation.

I don't think anyone wants to depress you here; quite the contrary, we want you to feel good. You have a little bit of work to do to get over the feeling of I have to. Like they say, you don't have to do shit.

Although I don't have many issues with enjoying exercising, I have sometimes felt that I have to be productive in my work all the time. But I don't have to. That's actually just an external motivation. I have surrounded myself with very successful people who all work a lot and that kind of forces me to do that too.

At those moments, I stop myself and ask: "Do I enjoy working right now or am I just working because I think I have to?" Generally, this alone makes me feel better about myself and actually helps me work better because it kind of takes away the pressure and obligation.

Maybe this won't help at all, but I'm just saying that enjoy yourself and what you do should be the number one goal by itself, in my opinion.