Banning Skinny People

Skinny person discrimination? Didn’t know there could be such a thing until I read a story about a gym in Canada that has actually banned skinny people from entering. In fact, you must be plus-sized in order to workout, the rules set forth by the gym’s owner at “Body Exchange” in Vancouver. Hmmm…I sense the possibility of a trend starting here. Now I have to admit, there may be something to this. I know that for some people, going to a fitness center can be really intimidating. Especially when you walk in and everyone in sight looks fit and toned. … Continue reading

Even Skinny People Can Be Unhealthy

Well here’s some good news…a new study finds that the key to a healthy body (which means a reduced risk of stroke or heart disease) is not necessarily in losing weight but in maintaining a fit lifestyle. Although for some of us losing weight is the number one goal when it comes to fitness, for others it is about warding off some of the serious medical conditions that can shorten a person’s life. In reality, this actually is the most important factor in fitness. Losing weight is definitely a way to help reduce the risk of serious health problems but … Continue reading

Curvy and Healthy

Lately I have been hearing the phrase “curvy” used more and more. Some say it is just a kind way of saying you are fat. But others believe its time to bring back the old-fashioned way of referring to someone who has an hourglass shape. I think it’s important to get one thing straight. Not everyone is supposed to be skinny. Curves in themselves aren’t bad. But one area that needs to be addressed is the middle. Belly fat is extremely unhealthy and increases the risk of serious diseases such as cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Although … Continue reading

Overweight and Healthy?

In the past I have blogged about how health isn’t strictly based on body size. In fact, you can be skinny and unhealthy. Now a new study says that not everyone who is overweight is at risk of developing health problems. In other words, you can be carrying around extra pounds and still be healthy. The term being given to these people is “metabolically healthy.” This means they don’t have high blood pressure or cholesterol, diabetes or a resistance to insulin. So their risk of death is no greater than another person at a healthy weight. For whatever reason, unexplainable … Continue reading

Messages Sent to Women

When it comes to weight, women have been given many different messages over the years. In fact, there was a time when it was an insult to be called skinny. Think about Marilyn Monroe, the one time sex symbol of the 50’s and 60’s. That was a very different time period, in which curves were in. You see, there was a time when the soft shape of a woman was appealing. But today “thin is in.” In fact, the thinner the better. I am so glad that my husband prefers curves. Not only does it release me from the pressure … Continue reading

What Do You Think of “Habit Heroes”?

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida has teamed up with Disney to create something new at Epcot Center. It is an attraction called “Habit Heroes”. The insurer feels it is a fun way to give kids information about making healthy choices. Critics say that Habit Heroes is harmful to the mental health of kids who are overweight or obese. Disney World has been called “the happiest place on earth”. Lots of kids dream of being able to take a family vacation to Disney World, (which often includes a visit to Epcot Center as well). A new, controversial, attraction at … Continue reading

Men’s Fitness: How Does He Feel About His Body?

There are a lot of differences between men and women starting with our biology and stretching to our forms of communication and our perspectives. How men feel about their bodies and how women feel about theirs are different in some ways and alike in others. For women, when it comes to their body type and shape – the presence of body fat is a huge thing. But for men, it’s about more than the body fat – it’s about muscle. A man can feel unfit if he has a lack of bulk muscle, even if he is high in lean … Continue reading