On Truly Functional Fitness

 

Consider the icons and idols of the fitness world. Professional athletes. YouTube "influencers". Action-movie stars. In the effort to remain physically fit, "ordinary" people use these celebrities as their standard for excellence. They know that, to be really fit, they need to look like and feel like these people. These people who, by the way, do not even exist in the way we imagine, for we only see the person who wants to present themselves in a certain way in front of a camera.

Is this an attainable fitness standard? And is this really what we should all be shooting for? I don't think so - for two reasons:

First, as we mentioned above, it's a fake standard. We see exactly what these people want us to see, and that always means glossing over some of the negative nuances, whether they are intentionally or subconsciously hidden for the camera. We are not watching real people, but twisted versions of them as presented and edited by the screen.

Second, and perhaps most importantly, these people's jobs are very different than ours. Stop and consider again the top three categories of fitness gods that I mentioned: The pro athlete, the influencer, and the movie star. Consider: What are these people's jobs? What are they called to do for a living? The pro athlete's job is literally to go work out. To get stronger, in the context of his sport. You are going to get much fitter than the ordinary person if your job is to work out. The influencer's job is literally to go work out. Albeit heavily edited and with as little clothing on as possible. They make their money literally by showing a camera how fit they are. Finally, the movie star's job is (partly) to go work out. There is much more to their role, but many of us have heard the stories of the crazy diets and workout regimens that some actors must go through to prepare for a big role. This is what they get paid to do.

So what are we called to do? What is the meaning of functional fitness to us? It means to be fit enough to function in our day to day life. That means something very different for a pro athlete than it does for the average man. I'm not saying to not work out, I'm saying work out with the goal of functionality in your calling and your vocation. And perhaps most importantly, don't let your working out get in the way of your vocation. Don't let a fit body become an idol and an overarching goal, while housework, work-work, and family time fall by the wayside. Pursue the level of fitness that complements, rather than competes with, your vocations. 

So here's where I think most people can find the right balance: pursue a baseline level of functional fitness in the body. That means that your fitness, and the pursuit of it, should not get in the way of the things you have actually been called to do, but rather help you to do them better. Part of this means thinking long-term: be in good enough fitness that your body is not degenerating due to a slothful lifestyle. That way you can perform your vocation for many years to come, God-willing. Functional fitness does not necessarily mean throwing down 200 5-pump Navy Seals, as pictured above, as part of a normal morning workout. It could mean doing that, if it's not getting in the way of your vocations, or if you need to be that strong for your vocation, but unlike in the case of Iron Wolf, working out is not truly part of the job for most people.

Instead, be fit enough to fight and defend a weaker person. Be fit enough not to die at 50 from a preventable heart condition. Be fit enough to help a neighbor move. Be fit enough to run around with your kids. Be fit enough for the long hike with the heavy pack on your next vacation. Be fit enough to do your job well, whatever that may be.

It is good for men to be strong, and perhaps this post has come off as if it's against guys going to the gym. It's meant to say the opposite - go and work out, with the aim of using your fitness for good within your vocations. Do not become weak, and also combat your pursuit of personal fitness as your refuge and strength. We have a better God for that.

In short, pursue truly functional fitness.