Have I turned into a fitnes snob?

[pesty4077]

Originally Posted by oldsuperman

You obviously missed the Carter years if you think this economy is bad! "worst economy since the 1930's" give me a break!

Their fat and outa shape because this is a spoiled selfish generation that over indulges in everything and takes no responsibility for their lives! I agree with the OP! Disgust! Lazy, self deserving, blamb someone else for my problems generation!

Got that off my chest!

Actually, this sounds about right!

[BUDTAO]

You GOTTA see the movie! Its fun for adults too! You will see what Im talking about when you watch it.....


Andrew

[Ford_Power]

I guess I'm the board oddity and I know not a one of you will like what I'm about to say. I did make one comment early in the thread but I feel I need to elaborate now.

I have worked hard to get where I am and I have no plans on stopping, but I just don't get the same sense of agitation that it seems many of you have when I look around at others who aren't similarly minded. Do I believe these people can make changes? Sure. Do I think less of them as humans for being where they are? No. Do I get upset, frustrated, and rant? No, and I don't feel sorry for them either before you think I do nor do I sympathise and say "it's ok, it's not your fault...". They are the product of their choices...all I can worry about is me and the choices I make.

But yet I don't classify myself as a "fitness snob". Why?

The license plate on my truck (basically states my devotion to lifting weight...) is a hell of a conversation starter in a parking lot sometimes...and gives me an opportunity to tell someone who inquires about how I changed from what I was to what I am. Call it "schooling" of the right sense - talking about the fundamentals of good dieting, exercise, lifting, etc.. What they do from there if they are indeed serious about changing is up to them. I've also been in conversations with friends and business acquaintances - many of whom have either seen me consistently along the way in my progress or have seen me at various points - where the subject has come up and we've talked about those same principles. Never with an attitude of superiority, disdain, or disgust - just simple conversation. And again, what they did with that information is up to them...not me. It's not my job, nor my responsibility, to monitor their personal choices. For as much as people like to "blame others" for their problems in this day and age, I was not named judge, jury, and executioner to monitor what others do either. That's what personal responsibility is about.

I can lead the horse to water - but I can't make it drink. Once I've shared what I know...it's their turn to put the rubber to the road and make it happen. If they don't...that's up to them. If they do - great...make the most of it.

Ultimately, I can only worry about what choices that one person makes in life in any shape and form...and that's the guy between my two elbows. And quite honestly - that's enough for me to handle without worrying about everyone else. But I won't permit myself to become a "snob" about it either...

Just my 3 wooden nickels and a quarter.

[filipino_muscle]

Originally Posted by Inthegrass

We are staying at Great Wolf Lodge waterpark for a few days this week for a small family vacation of lying around the pool and taking in the waterslides.
I am absolutely amazed at the amount of unfit, over weight people here. If I were to guess, I'd say roughly 90% of the people I have seen are fat and at least half of those are grossly over weight. It amazes me how people can be content having trouble even walking. They labour with every footstep, yet they are so adept at getting to the feed trough at every turn.
Have I turned into a fitness snob?? Is it wrong for me to see these people and feel an almost disgust in the way they look after themselves and treat themselves and their bodies? How can they not know what they are doing to themselves and the quality of their lives?

I just think people forget about 'themselves'. People were their own individual before they took on work, spouse, children, etc. I guess it's the American trap. The worse kind of foods available to us are cheapest and quickest to acquire. So, it's very, very easy in this country to fall into this trap.

[dbx]

Originally Posted by Inthegrass

Have I turned into a fitnes snob?

Apparently.

[...Kennedy]

I could care less what shape other people are in. I work out because I enjoy it. It feels good, and it's good for me.

Personally, I think it's kind of silly to get an elitist attitude about being "in shape". Many other people who happen to be in average or less than average physical shape are smarter than you, more successful than you, better family members or spouses than you, or have contributed more to society than you. That's the way life is. One's physical condition usually has almost nothing to do with your success as a human being.

If you need to feel disgust or superiority towards others to bolster your own self-esteem, maybe you should question the reasons why you're really into being fit in the first place.

[Oceanside]

Originally Posted by ...Kennedy

I could care less what shape other people are in. I work out because I enjoy it. It feels good, and it's good for me.

Personally, I think it's kind of silly to get an elitist attitude about being "in shape". Many other people who happen to be in average or less than average physical shape are smarter than you, more successful than you, better family members or spouses than you, or have contributed more to society than you. That's the way life is. One's physical condition usually has almost nothing to do with your success as a human being.

If you need to feel disgust or superiority towards others to bolster your own self-esteem, maybe you should question the reasons why you're really into being fit in the first place.

yup !

[oldsuperman]

Originally Posted by Ford_Power

I guess I'm the board oddity and I know not a one of you will like what I'm about to say. I did make one comment early in the thread but I feel I need to elaborate now.

I have worked hard to get where I am and I have no plans on stopping, but I just don't get the same sense of agitation that it seems many of you have when I look around at others who aren't similarly minded. Do I believe these people can make changes? Sure. Do I think less of them as humans for being where they are? No. Do I get upset, frustrated, and rant? No, and I don't feel sorry for them either before you think I do nor do I sympathise and say "it's ok, it's not your fault...". They are the product of their choices...all I can worry about is me and the choices I make.

But yet I don't classify myself as a "fitness snob". Why?

The license plate on my truck (basically states my devotion to lifting weight...) is a hell of a conversation starter in a parking lot sometimes...and gives me an opportunity to tell someone who inquires about how I changed from what I was to what I am. Call it "schooling" of the right sense - talking about the fundamentals of good dieting, exercise, lifting, etc.. What they do from there if they are indeed serious about changing is up to them. I've also been in conversations with friends and business acquaintances - many of whom have either seen me consistently along the way in my progress or have seen me at various points - where the subject has come up and we've talked about those same principles. Never with an attitude of superiority, disdain, or disgust - just simple conversation. And again, what they did with that information is up to them...not me. It's not my job, nor my responsibility, to monitor their personal choices. For as much as people like to "blame others" for their problems in this day and age, I was not named judge, jury, and executioner to monitor what others do either. That's what personal responsibility is about.

I can lead the horse to water - but I can't make it drink. Once I've shared what I know...it's their turn to put the rubber to the road and make it happen. If they don't...that's up to them. If they do - great...make the most of it.

Ultimately, I can only worry about what choices that one person makes in life in any shape and form...and that's the guy between my two elbows. And quite honestly - that's enough for me to handle without worrying about everyone else. But I won't permit myself to become a "snob" about it either...

Just my 3 wooden nickels and a quarter.

I like what you say, yet, and don't you take any offence to this either, PLEEEEEZZZZZZ. You sound like an elitist. And, again don't take offence, you only 36 years old too. Give yourself a few more years and when you realize how quick the years go by, you will have more concern and empathy for the obese. Again, look at were I was. I lost over 50 lbs of gross weight and over 70 lbs of fat. I know what fat and outa shape is. I lived it.

[JC480]

I feel sorry for the morbidly obese. It's sad that they are stuck in the rut they are in or have no interest in changing their life.

It's like watching someone dying in the desert of thirst but who refuses to walk over the hill to the oasis that people tell him is there because he won't believe or doesn't care.

Sometimes I feel like a recovering alcoholic and want to spread the gospel to the other drunks...but we all know how obnoxious that is. People have to wish to change themselves.

[Oceanside]

Originally Posted by oldsuperman

Again, look at were I was. I lost over 50 lbs of gross weight and over 70 lbs of fat. I know what fat and outa shape is. I lived it.

seems to me that you of all people should be the one that's either sympathetic or indifferent to it all. instead of generalizing about how these people are spoiled, and they're all just a product of this imaginary invironment you have them growing up in..

having been there, and now looking back and looking down on them certainly are "elitist" type traits..

[oldsuperman]

Originally Posted by Oceanside

seems to me that you of all people should be the one that's either sympathetic or indifferent to it all. instead of generalizing about how these people are spoiled, and they're all just a product of this imaginary invironment you have them growing up in..

having been there, and now looking back and looking down on them certainly are "elitist" type traits..

Read all my posts on this thread. You've missed my point completely. Elitists are "enablers." "Can't we all just get along and accept people for what they are?" "Pacifiers"

That I will not do. Empathy and concern for their welfare? If they want help, I'm there for them. More then you will ever know. You should see my PM box evey night! You wouldn't believe it!

[KyleAaron]

Originally Posted by widebody195

I used to think like that, but then I met two people at the club that I train at, morbidly obese, but working really hard and pushing themselves harder than just about anyone I know. Plus they are the nicest people you could possibly meet, and very honest about their physical condition with a great sense of self-deprecating humor. I have nothing but the highest respect for them, but if you saw them at the pool or beach as a total stranger you could easily give them a look of disgust. So now I try to keep a more open mind. Remember, fat people are human too.

There's this. And then there's also the fact that a person can be fit and strong and yet also have quite a bit of fat on them. Are we really being fitness snobs, or looks snobs? Because you don't know people's fitness or strength until you see them in action.

Fat martial artist, Sammo Hung:



Fat powerlifter, Mike Miller:



Closer to my own home we have the lifters of the week.



"Fat Dave is our lifter of the week. Dave has had a fantastic couple of weeks, pretty much breaking most of his PB's, he has cleaned 87.5kg, push pressed 87.5kg, benched 92.5kg, squatted 150kg and deadlifted 200kg. "

So we have a martial artist, a powerlifter, and a strong recreational lifter, who would all look "unfit" to most of you... yet they would be more agile, stronger and fitter than probably nine-tenths of us here.

This isn't about being a "fitness snob." This is about pure old-fashioned vanity. Now, there ain't anything wrong with that - this is bodybuilding.com, vanity is what we're about. But how you look and your fitness and strength ain't the same thing.

Sure, most obese people aren't agile, strong or fit. But you never know. So before you judge all the fatties around you, better see what they can do - you could be surprised. If I saw Fat Dave in my gym and was like you guys, I'd laugh as he asked me to spot him on his 92.5kg bench, "haha, fat, can't be strong like lean me, haha"... and then look very foolish as he pushed the weight up with ease. And if he said, "let's go for a run," if I were like you guys then I might say, "okay, we'll go slow for you," and then look pretty stupid as he outran me and left me sweating in his dust.

So go ahead and judge the fatties as "unfit." Nine times out of ten you'll be right. But one time out of ten you'll end up looking like a real dickhead as the fatty hugely outperforms you. Woops. Maybe easier just to keep an open mind, yeah?

Go ahead and be looks snobs. That's okay. But that ain't fitness, that's more like True Beauty.

[bhaputi]

Originally Posted by Inthegrass

We are staying at Great Wolf Lodge waterpark for a few days this week for a small family vacation of lying around the pool and taking in the waterslides.
I am absolutely amazed at the amount of unfit, over weight people here. If I were to guess, I'd say roughly 90% of the people I have seen are fat and at least half of those are grossly over weight. It amazes me how people can be content having trouble even walking. They labour with every footstep, yet they are so adept at getting to the feed trough at every turn.
Have I turned into a fitness snob?? Is it wrong for me to see these people and feel an almost disgust in the way they look after themselves and treat themselves and their bodies? How can they not know what they are doing to themselves and the quality of their lives?

Wrong? IMHO - yes. Judge not, and all that......

[dkemano42]

Originally Posted by widebody195

I used to think like that, but then I met two people at the club that I train at, morbidly obese, but working really hard and pushing themselves harder than just about anyone I know. Plus they are the nicest people you could possibly meet, and very honest about their physical condition with a great sense of self-deprecating humor. I have nothing but the highest respect for them, but if you saw them at the pool or beach as a total stranger you could easily give them a look of disgust. So now I try to keep a more open mind. Remember, fat people are human too.

Hey guys,

I would have to agree with this one. I am not one to judge folks, and if thats the way they wanna be, then more power to them, they dont disgust me. What I DO feel is a sort of sorryness for them I guess. I am a trainer at my gym and I see some overweight folks trying at least. I do get pissed at real overweight people who do not try and who sneer at people who do try their hardest. Or I get mad when people blame their fat asses one someone or something else and never try to change their situation because "no mater what they do they cant lose weight".

I used to be 80 lbs heavier so I know how it feels, but I also know that if you really want to you can change it and make it better, so I get more disgusted with people who dont even want to try, but have much love for those who are in sad shape and are trying.

And, yes OP in a way I am a fitness snob because I used to not notice peoples size or what condition they were in at all, and now its all I notice and most of the time all I can do is shake my head as it gets worse and worse and I see more and more out of shape people.
..and now when I see people running or exercising I cheer them on whereas I used to say to myself, "geez look at that crazy person".

DK

[black_socks]

You should drive down the road to the Water Country... Where the real class action is..I'd say 99% of people are way way out of shape.. it makes for a intresting day .. motivation overdrive at the gym after that experience..

[older2533]

Originally Posted by Inthegrass

We are staying at Great Wolf Lodge waterpark for a few days this week for a small family vacation of lying around the pool and taking in the waterslides.
I am absolutely amazed at the amount of unfit, over weight people here. If I were to guess, I'd say roughly 90% of the people I have seen are fat and at least half of those are grossly over weight. It amazes me how people can be content having trouble even walking. They labour with every footstep, yet they are so adept at getting to the feed trough at every turn.
Have I turned into a fitness snob?? Is it wrong for me to see these people and feel an almost disgust in the way they look after themselves and treat themselves and their bodies? How can they not know what they are doing to themselves and the quality of their lives?

There is a simple explanation for this. Waterparks like the Great Wolf Lodge actually pay morbidly obese people to come to their waterpark. That's why there are so many of them. It's actually the same people every day. It's their job.

The waterparks do this because then they don't have to use so much water in their pools, which with all the exotic chemicals they have to use, can be quite expensive. I've read that some of these parks, with an adequate supply of fat people, can keep an entire wave pool filled with only five gallons of water.

[shlape]

Originally Posted by Inthegrass

Have I turned into a fitness snob?? Is it wrong for me to see these people and feel an almost disgust in the way they look after themselves and treat themselves and their bodies? How can they not know what they are doing to themselves and the quality of their lives?

Not a fitness snob. I think similarly.

I suppose the first step to change is admitting you have a problem. These people, it seems, haven't got to the point yet.

[sweetcheeks2me]

When I see posts about overweight, out of shape people and how some BB.com members are disgusted and hate them- I cringe.

I am a new member on this forum. I am fat and out of shape. In April of this year, I decided to make changes to my life. I completely agree that each of us is responsible for our own actions ( or lack of action). We all have to be accountable for how we live our lives, in all aspects.

No matter where I am on my journey- it will always be important to me not to sit in judgement of others.

[paolo59]

Originally Posted by sweetcheeks2me

When I see posts about overweight, out of shape people and how some BB.com members are disgusted and hate them- I cringe.

I am a new member on this forum. I am fat and out of shape. In April of this year, I decided to make changes to my life. I completely agree that each of us is responsible for our own actions ( or lack of action). We all have to be accountable for how we live our lives, in all aspects.

No matter where I am on my journey- it will always be important to me not to sit in judgement of others.

It is not a matter of "judgement!" I have no idea what has gone on in the life of any individual, the mental pressure, the daily situation, the emotional and spiritual trials that can lead to particular reactions. These all could be qualified as excuses, they might be, but they are very real, and psychologically motivated. What takes place in our lives basically takes place between our ears. The mind is a very powerful thing. Life's pressures can reveal themselves through stress, a deadly thing to be sure, regardless of weight. What seriously concerns me is the situation with millions of young people. We are literally watching a crisis in the making. When children suffer diabetes and other weight related infirmities, something is horribly wrong. It is not a matter of the "fit" passing judgement on those who appear "ugly," or out of shape. I hold no "truck" with the image that is presented daily of what is supposedly beautiful splashed across the air waves, pages of magazines, or the internet. This subject always strikes a nerve. Regardless, we as Americans need to step back, take a serious look at our lifestyles, and come to terms with a situation that is literally killing us collectively!

[GuyJin]

Having been on both sides of the "fit" and "unfit" (however you want to define those terms) line and now, somewhere tilting a bit more to the "fit" side, I can say that I can easily understand the POV's submitted by those in this thread. I used to weigh around three hundred or so--the "unfit" days, and at one point I went down to 159 pounds--also "unfit" mainly to having a heart seizure. Now, I'm around 205, fairly muscular, but I still have weight to lose and know it, so I keep at it, doing my weight training and my cardio and trying like Hell to watch what I eat.

It ain't easy.

For some of those who fall into the "morbidly obese" range, there may be a number of reasons why they can't lose weight. In many cases, yes, they don't care about what they look or feel like, and figure, hey, life's short, so let's eat! And they do. But for others, they may have some sort of glandular problem i.e. low thyroid or something else that prevents them from dropping the tonnage. Or maybe it's genetics. Or something else. So while it's easy for those of us who've gone from fat to fit/muscular/toned (gag me) to judge them and say: "They're weak-willed, they don't care about themselves, they're a drain on the medical community" etc. my simple answer is that you just don't know.

Now, I'm not judging anyone here because it's not my place to judge. Like I said, I've been on both sides of the fence, and either way, it wasn't a whole lot of fun. When some people who are grossly overweight do ask me how I dropped my fat and went from looking like Porky Pig to, well, someone a little more well-built, I simply tell them what I did. I don't preach, browbeat, hold myself up as a shining example; I simply explain to them very simply what I did. After that, it's out of my hands.

[x-trainer ben]

Originally Posted by oldsuperman

You obviously missed the Carter years if you think this economy is bad! "worst economy since the 1930's" give me a break!

Their fat and outa shape because this is a spoiled selfish generation that over indulges in everything and takes no responsibility for their lives! I agree with the OP! Disgust! Lazy, self deserving, blamb someone else for my problems generation!

Got that off my chest!

Wellll, i was into construction back then(Lincoln Logs and Lego's at ages 4-9) so i was aware but not involved. I based my comments on the circumstances of people i interact with, maybe you are doing great now but wasn't back then? I also base it on 70+ year old folks i have interacted with and their stories.

As for the original post topic as they say: Mind ya business, live and let live.
Unless you can say every member of your OWN family is not fat........

[VoxExMachina]

Interesting discussion overall.

I don't think being fat is any worse than being a skinny-fat chain smoker, or an alcoholic, or an anorexic, or any of a dozen other unhealthy practices.

I also don't think that you are a bad person, bad parent, bad neighbor, or whatever simply based on your physical appearance or condition.

All that said, I find all of those conditions to be a shame. I know that people are generally not happy being fat, or being alcoholic, or whatever. If they could simply choose whether to be in shape, they would probably be fit. They generally know they aren't being healthy and are probably suffering low self-esteem because of it.

What I have no respect for is the lack of drive to do anything about it. As I said before, if you're not going to respect yourself enough to make an effort be healthy, then you're not going to get any sympathy from me. If you're sad because you feel like a fat slob at the beach, well, too bad. If you don't like it, then DO something about it. Put the cookie down, already!

If you are obese and are in the gym working your butt off then you have my respect. I recognize that it's not easy getting up the nerve to walk into a place where people are fit and feel that everyone is looking at you and judging you. Good for you!

The last aspect of this argument is the fact that obesity is becoming a national epidemic. It's costing all of us increased taxes and health care costs, so others' lack of fitness is hitting you in the back pocket. People who live healthy lives, therefore, have a right to be somewhat judgmental of unhealthy lifestyles in general.

I also see a great deal of obese people with obese kids. IMO, that's tantamount to child abuse. Children lack the decision making ability and perspective to make long-term decisions about their eating habits. We don't allow parents to beat their children, but it's perfectly acceptable to give them a future heart attack.

That's just unforgivable.

[dbx]

Originally Posted by VoxExMachina

Interesting discussion overall.

Are you kidding?

Oh, you mean this week's "We're awesome and fat people are pathetic" thread. Gotchya!

[VoxExMachina]

Originally Posted by dbx

Are you kidding?

Oh, you mean this week's "We're awesome and fat people are pathetic" thread. Gotchya!

No, I mean that the back and forth debate is interesting. If you don't like the discussion, well then you know what to do....

[dbx]

Originally Posted by VoxExMachina

No, I mean that the back and forth debate is interesting. If you don't like the discussion, well then you know what to do....

Lighten up, dude. You're relatively new here and I guess don't get the playful sarcasm; this subject and discussion is not only not new, it is brought up almost every single day.... in one form or another... under threads with various titles. But the basic gist is almost always the same.

[VoxExMachina]

Originally Posted by dbx

Lighten up, dude. You're relatively new here and I guess don't get the playful sarcasm; this subject and discussion is not only not new, it is brought up almost every single day.... in one form or another... under threads with various titles. But the basic gist is almost always the same.

Sarcasm? Ok, I can accept that. I love sarcasm.

I can see why threads like this come up all the time, though. Obesity is getting of control. Seriously.

[oldsuperman]

Originally Posted by sweetcheeks2me

When I see posts about overweight, out of shape people and how some BB.com members are disgusted and hate them- I cringe.
.

OMG!!!! NO ONE SAID "HATE"!

It's a HOOOOOGE gap between disgust and "HATE"!

The disgust is about the loss of "LIVING" because of thier lives they choose to live! Not because of who they are as a human being!

Originally Posted by dbx

Lighten up, dude. You're relatively new here and I guess don't get the playful sarcasm; this subject and discussion is not only not new, it is brought up almost every single day.... in one form or another... under threads with various titles. But the basic gist is almost always the same.

Newbies!

[medjen]

Originally Posted by dbx

Lighten up, dude. You're relatively new here and I guess don't get the playful sarcasm; this subject and discussion is not only not new, it is brought up almost every single day.... in one form or another... under threads with various titles. But the basic gist is almost always the same.

So I'm relatively new here AND not over 35 so maybe I don't get it doubly so, but I'd say one of the reasons this topic comes up often is because people like to talk about it. Most people here have put in lots of work (or are in the progress of putting in lots of work) to reach a goal. Maybe part of it is a little vanity or self-congratulation. I don't necessarily see anything wrong with that.

Many of us have people in our "real lives" that, at best, don't understand what we're doing or why we're doing it and, at worst, actively try to discourage us from getting fitter/eating healthier/whatever the goal is.

This is a place for like-minded people who understand why we do what we do (for the most part).

For lots of us there was a mental shift from unhealthy lifestyles to healthier ones. At the beginning, it's easy to be a zealot and try to convert everyone. We wonder why everyone hasn't seen the light and come to The Healthy Side. It's like joining any new social group. To some extent, to become part of the group, you start recognizing those who are not.

Do I notice people who appear to be drastically out of shape more now than I used to? Yes. Do I judge them? Yep. I try not to, but it happens. Especially if they complain about whatever obesity-related illness they're combatting. I make an attempt to be supportive and don't tell them it's their own fault for being fat or if they would just lose some weight, we'd all be better off.

The tone of the OP in this case came out more (to me anyway) of someone who had "recently converted" and was a bit in wonder about something they'd never noticed before. Not a "I'm so awesome because I work out and the world is fat" kind of post.

[...Kennedy]

Bodybuilding is like religion- it's best when practiced but not overly preached, especially to an audience who didn't request the sermon.

[PowerFlex]

Interesting topic...first time I am running across it and I'm no newbie by a longshot.

I myself do not look at obese people with disgust as much as I just look at them with pity and a "I wish I could help ya"

I often wonder if they truly are comfortable physically, especially when they are morbidly obese. I often think of what a good friend told me many years ago who had trained, dieted and lost almost 200 pounds down to a physically fit 200 pounds at 6' tall. He used to tell me all the time that being that big was the most uncomfortable and difficult time of his life. Not only could he not go out and sit in restaurants normally like other people, there were always little things that normal sized people could do that he simply couldn't, i.e. getting into his car when parked in a parking lot when in between two other cars, sitting in a movie theater, constant knee and ankle pain, etc etc. And with all of that he would get the occasional but ever so constant looks of disdain, disgust and in some cases, pity.

Now he's as happy as a clam and as his friend I see myself looking at obese people from his perspective. Obese people in most cases must know they are obese...so, how they choose to live is their choice. And to a degree it doesn't have anything to do with me. But, as one post pointed out, we all will pay a price as far as our rising healthcare costs as obesity becomes more and more of an issue and more prevalent in our society. It will hit us in our wallets. So to say that you do not care is your choice, but it may come to the point that you will have to care to some degree.

As for me, when I see someone that is overweight or obese in the gym, if we happen to catch a glance I will usually smile or in some cases give them a "thumbs up" as they are there to better themselves and are making that first step....which is great!

Now, for those that seem to walk around with cokes, chips, cookies or pie in their hands as they make their way through the day, I feel sorry for them as they simply have not had their "moment". Maybe one day they will...........