How do you define fit?

[Chameleox]

There's a difference between "healthy" and "fit". While one may be healthy, they might not be fit.

A sedentary human being with a decent diet and blood numbers may very well be "healthy", but not fit, in the context of a strenuous activity (whether or not they're fit to their lifestyle is another matter).

The contrary is also true. A fit person, who runs 20+miles a day with minimal caloric intake may not be healthy, or even "fit" in a different arena than aerobic endurance. An overweight officer might be a cheeseburger away from a heart attack, can't run more than 10 yards to either chase a suspect or escape a fire, and has chronic back issues from their weight and posture is still "fit for duty"(), but is certainly not healthy.

To define "fitness", you have to first define the parameters in which this "fitness" will be used, or measured.

Powerlifters, gymnasts, triathletes, LEOs, FFs, servicemen and -women, and bodybuilders all have different parameters for physical success. Within their own fields, they may be "fit". Put them in another field, and they may not be "fit". They may or may not be "healthy", as well.

I'd define fit as being able to do your job without excessive exertion or stress.

Yeah, that's about it.

[bsf]

5K in 21mins?

Achievable for many. That figure is probably in the ballpark. I cannot do it now. I need to work on cardio and stamina more.

Ability to do 10 wide grip pull-ups? 20?

20 dead hang, wide grip, pull ups: too high a general standard. If someone can do 10 proper, dead hang, wide grips they are doing pretty good IMO.

30 push-ups in a minute? 60 in a set?

I think both of those are quite easy for males I consider to be fit.

10 reps of 225?

Not likely. Too much variation in body type. For a general measure of fitness, I would rather see strength measured relative to body weight.

Max of twice your body weight?

Holy hell batman. I know there are lots of people that can do that, but they are strong even compared to other “fit” people. Far too tough a standard.

[crazymoose]

There is something else....

My wife tells me that my waist size and *ahem* "reach" are inversely proportional....

The ol' "sand around the flagpole" effect. Not ashamed to say that was one of the motivating factors for me to lose weight!

[BooneGA]

I disagree with most people that say performance in the gym or physical appearance defines fitness.

Perfomance. The gym isnt where you determine how fit you are. It is where you train to perform in the real world. There are a ton of guys whos #s look good in the gym (and im sure they think they look great in the mirror) but whos "fitness" absolutely fails in real life.

If your body cant perform in the real world your fitness is worthless.

Rick

[Uglyguns]

I disagree with most people that say performance in the gym or physical appearance defines fitness.

Perfomance. The gym isnt where you determine how fit you are. It is where you train to perform in the real world. There are a ton of guys whos #s look good in the gym (and im sure they think they look great in the mirror) but whos "fitness" absolutely fails in real life.

If your body cant perform in the real world your fitness is worthless.

Rick

I disagree. It depends on what type of gym you attend. If your doing a Helen or Kelly thats real world. I agree a bench press or a barbell curl isn't a true fitness gauge, but there are other gym's ie: Gym jones, Crossfit, Military athlete. Those type of work outs are a way to determine fitness.

V/r
Uglyguns

[BooneGA]

As a former crossfiter and a 2 year member of Gym Jones I see where you are coming from.

But if your training in the gym doesnt result in improved performance OUTSIDE of the gym its worthless. You dont train for good times in the gym (why I stopped crossfit) you train in order to perform.

Rick

[RogerinTPA]

If you are physically fit and the mind is weak, you are not in shape to deal with any situation, physically or mentally. Developing the mind and foster a warrior spirit first, is paramount IMHO.

[QuickStrike]

If you are physically fit and the mind is weak, you are not in shape to deal with any situation, physically or mentally. Developing the mind and foster a warrior spirit first, is paramount IMHO.

How? You can't change personality easily and reading/thinking will only get you so far IMO.

Muay Thai keeps me in shape and forces me to keep going, through the pain of shin-to-shin blocks, body shots, nose bleeds, etc and being exhausted at times. Teaches me that only determination to execute the technique/timing will bring victory; and that cowering, wincing along with inactivity will only make things worse.

You need physical challenge to build the so called "warrior spirit". Approaching them with a fighting mentality is probably useful.

[TehLlama]

For somebody who get a BMI right at 28% and honestly struggles to bench my own weight (6'2" 220), and clear 8 dead hang pullups, you'd never guess that my athsmatic ass can play soccer competitively or out-hike anybody in my company up a mountain.
For my body shape, I'm reasonably fit. Nowhere near where I could be, and still not close to where I feel I should be, but I can still outrun anybody who could beat me badly in a fight.

[BooneGA]

A good example of my point earlier. Your "perfomance" in the gym would be laughed at by most gym rats, however you are able to perform OUTSIDE of the gym where it actually counts.

Rick