Strong is the New Skinny
I have several CrossFit T-shirts with that slogan and wherever I go when I’m wearing one, people (men and women) tell me how much they like it. And today, it’s sooooo true. Pin-thin is out and a strong, powerful body is in. Doing strength training to build and maintain muscles is important to keep your metabolism high and it’s healthy for your bones, heart and much more, but for women, being strong provides a boost in self-confidence that many desperately need.
Even Hollywood is noticing. Women sporting muscles and curvier figures are now becoming the new “it” girls. No longer are skeletal-chic A-listers like Victoria Beckham, Megan Fox and Kelly Rippa thinspirations for millions of women. In fact, a recent survey found that the majority want a body like Jennifer Aniston or Kim Kardashian and fewer than 10% wanted to look like Kelly Ripa.
I don’t care what the celebrity rags say is “in” or “out,” I just want a diet and lifestyle that’s healthy and helps ensure that I can be active for years to come. You don’t need to be ripped to be healthy but we also don’t think starving and living with hunger pangs 24/7 seems like much fun—nor is it good for you.
I have to thank women of CrossFit as well as celebrity trainers like Jillian Michaels and Jackie Warner. These women show us that healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes and to make the most of what you hae, eat well and move more and stop starving yourself.
Skinny is Not Healthy
Starving yourself to be a size 0, 2 or 4 is a losing proposition because is causes your metabolism to slow down and your metabolism continues to slow down with the decreased muscle mass, and you have to eat less and less with each passing year just to maintain your weight. On the other hand, being muscular boosts your metabolism so your body burns more calories 24/7.
I think we can all benefit from embracing strength. A little bit of muscle can do a lot to lift sagging self-confidence. Just think of how this thinking could help change girls’ negative body image issue? [sws_divider_padding]
Like the women of CrossFit say, “Strong is the New Skinny,” “Strong is the New Sexy, “Beauty in Strength.” Let’s be among the first to spread the word and embrace being strong, healthy and fit women. I’ve got the T-shirts that say so. Here’s where you can get yours.
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Crossfit WOD
If I’ve inspired you enough to try a little Crossfit WOD (aka workout of the day), here’s one of my favorites that I do when I’m traveling.
10 Rounds of:
10 Push-Ups (If you can’t do guy’s type push-ups, do them on your knees but keep your body tight, no “snaking” your body.)
10 Sit-Ups
10 Air Squats (Keep feet about shoulder-width apart, toes pointed slightly outward, with butt back, squat down with weight in your heels. Your hands can extend upward as you descend.)
–Julie Upton, MS, RD, CSSD
