PHYSICAL FITNESS
HISTORY/EXISTING CONDITION:
The President's Council on Physical Fitness defines five components of fitness: cardio-respiratory or aerobic endurance; muscular strength; muscular endurance; flexibility; and body composition, or the ratio of fat-to-lean body mass. Despite the findings of the National Institutes of Health, reported in March 1992, that permanent weight loss is elusive for fat people and despite evidence that fat people who exercise can achieve impressive levels of cardio-respiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility, fitness experts persist in believing that a person must have a low fat-to-lean body mass ratio in order to be considered fit. As result, most fitness professionals promote weight loss and the achievement of an athlete's conditioning as the primary goals of physical exercise. This focus on an elusive component of fitness ignores those components that are achievable through behavioral changes. Fat people are thus set up for failure in their attempts to achieve fitness and are discouraged from pursuing exercise to improve health, increase self-esteem, and reach higher levels of cardio-respiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility.
NAAFA'S OFFICIAL POSITION:
The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance asserts that individual fitness can be achieved despite a relatively high ratio of fat-to-lean body mass and affirms that fitness is a desirable and attainable goal for most fat people. Different physiques and levels of fitness are appropriate for different people. NAAFA demands that fat people have the opportunity to become fit in an environment safe from prejudice and harassment.
NAAFA ADVOCATES:
- That the President's Council on Physical Fitness delete the ratio
of fat-to-lean body mass from its definition of fitness.
- That fitness professionals become better educated on the psychological,
physiological, and sociological factors affecting weight and health so that
they can develop optimum fitness programs tailored specifically for fat
people, with goals unrelated to weight loss.
- That fat people be trained to lead fitness classes and serve as
role models for health and fitness regardless of size.
- That fat people have equal access to fitness and exercise facilities
in an environment free from ridicule and derogatory comments by staff or
patrons.
- That exercise programs encourage fat clients to attain an increased
level of fitness and well-being rather than emphasizing weight loss or unrealistic
levels of physical performance or appearance.
- That exercise equipment and apparel be manufactured and made available
which would allow fat people to pursue fitness goals safely, efficiently,
and comfortably.
- That fat people increase physical activities slowly, choose enjoyable activities, and be motivated by inner goals and interests.
NAAFA RESOLVES TO:
- Encourage fat people to strive for optimum fitness levels in accordance
with their health goals.
- Acknowledge groups, individuals, or organizations that provide programs
or places where fat people can pursue their fitness goals with dignity.
- Disseminate to fitness professionals, fat people, the media, and
the public, information regarding optimum levels of fitness for fat people,
in the form of pamphlets, reading lists, or clippings.
- Document incidents of discrimination by health clubs and their staffs,
or by independent professionals.
- Carry publications about fitness and exercise for fat people in
the NAAFA Book Service.
- Include opportunities for exercise and movement at NAAFA events.
Last Revised: 3/07/2001
First Issued: 5/30/1993
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