What is Fit?

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The three guys shown above represent the sporting elite of the human world.  All three dominate or dominated their respective sports.  Lance whom most of you know from Nike advertisements and his LiveStrong Foundation, dominated the world of competitive distance cycling winning the Tour de France a record 7 times. Ronald or Ronnie Coleman as he is better known, won the Mr. Olympia championship a record 8 times in a row.

Last but not least is Georges St. Pierre better known as GSP.  He is rated one of the best pound-for-pound MMA (mixed martial arts) fighter in the world.  He can box, kick, grapple and submit his opponents 20 ways till sundown.

As athletes, all three are optimized for different sports.  Lance trains to maximize his power output as tested by his lactate threshold during intense cardiovascular workouts.  Ronnie is a bodybuilder therefore his performance is measured by the size, symmetry and definition to his body. GSP's performance is determined by his skill in defeating his opponents in an octagon.  His body is optimized for that purpose within his weight class of 170 lbs. All three would be considered fit.

The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines fit like this:

Definition of FIT

1

a (1) : adapted to an end or design : suitable by nature or by art 

Fit can look different depending on its intended purpose.  All three athletes have optimized their bodies within the constraints of their professional sports to win.  Although they look different, one thing all three have in common is their visible linea alba.  Click on the picture of the threesome to see a larger version of it.

Whatever fitness goals you set for yourself, make it a goal to see your linea alba. Once you do, you'll be well on your way to better health and fitness.

If you need encouragement, see these success stories.

Victor