Stereotypes

By now ,  almost everybody out there - sports fans or not -- has heard something about NBA owner, Donald Sterling's insensitive remarks  --- which  were recorded illegally and obviously in the midst of some type of domestic discord -- from a  "kept woman" (a mistress) who was baiting him into some of the dialogue

  I've listened to the publicly released stuff -- same as others  -------    I'm going to keep my completely  un scripted opinion to myself on that for once ---

But there's a slippery slope -----  And its a reason most of the other NBA owners have kept somewhat silent thus far

One guy who has opened up a bit is Mark Cuban --- the young(ish)   Dot.commer who walks around wearing cargo shorts and t-shirts ---- oh yeah, he's also a billionaire and another NBA owner

I'll paraphrase for the sake of brevity,  but he said ---

we all deal with stereotypes or prejudices -- if i'm walking down a dark street at midnight and  i see a black kid in a dark hoodie, i'm crossing the street ---- likewise, if i see an anglo with face tattoos, etc. -- i will cross again -- we all deal with stereotypes everyday

How about this? --- If you run a Whole Foods  store and you are interviewing new hires ----- who is going to make the cut?

  < -------This guy?
Or this guy? ---------------------------------->









I am pretty sure we all know the answer to this one    ---

  ---  any of you boys out there who wear fanny packs and birkenstocks ---- stop typing right now !--- LOL  I likely wont answer

I'm kidding ,   -  Boulder , CO is a fine place to visit








              Point is -- we all have prejudices against something
   Dwight Yoakam famously stated in the movie Slingblade that he hated antique furniture and midgets

 ,   but proclaimed the crew cab dually pickup a piece of "Automotive Art" (in the deleted scenes)



Why am i talking about prejudices and stereotypes in a message geared towards fitness and wellness?

Its because i'm going to dig deep and talk about a stereotype that affects  this venture
   -----  Its common sense to know that the husky American who has trouble losing weight is a far more common malady nowadays than  someone who resembles a slim Frenchman who cant put on an ounce

What do some people think when they see a heavy person?     Do they think ----  "Boy, i wish i could help them out --" ,   -
    Do they think ---  " Boy --- look at those soulful, expressive eyes ---that gal must be really good with horses !"

   Or do they think ----  "Y'know --- she is a bit heavy, but she is so cuuuuute in the face !  -- I'll bet she has a great personality !"

  Or -----  "I'll bet that guy is the life of the party! -- like a 45 yo John Belushi -- just cracking jokes and pulling pranks !"

 -----------------  No --- first impressions can be crude and lasting impressions.    And its a sad fact that many peoples first impression of a heavy set person is that they are undisciplined, impulsive and lazy

  All walks of life have carefully crafted images they want to project ,  from a rocker or hip hop guy, to the MMA enthusiast, to a college professor, the banker ---------   there is a certain look that these people project that ties them to their profession, their status and the way they live their life
   ------   Heavyset America appreciates hockey jerseys and Shants (not shorts, not pants)

Time to tip the balance ------

I am not promising you'll get in the same shape you were in high school,   --- i'm not promising you'll look better  - i cant do that
    I am also not promising you will lose xxx amount of weight in xxx amount of time ---

What i will promise you , is that when you are working on your fitness, you are also crushing barriers   -----  we can't change public perception ,  but i do guarantee when you can squat and deadlift 1.5 x your lean bodyweight  (extra fat not included) --    YOUR attitude is the one that will begin to change

............  You can stand atop a mountain of iron with a humble expression, all the while thinking  -- "I really dont give a flip what a slim Frenchman who smokes little brown cigarettes thinks --- i am fixing the problem"

The lean muscle you build may at first cause you to gain weight, but muscle is a highly thermic material and before long the balance will shift

Quiet confidence can change your life ---- You may not look like a model for Charles Atlas strongman products --- but know inside that you are more valuable -- your health and wellness are priceless entities --

start slow -- keep increasing weights used a bit each workout, - stretch , don't eat junk at every meal  and good things will happen --- regardless of your reluctance or other peoples prejudices



Some people will write me and tell me i am "phoning it in" now with my little column here because i am not giving specific advice this week ------ well -- i dont mean to upset , but all along i have reinforced the fact that we all have a mind of our own and we should actively pursue knowledge on our own too ---- not blindly follow instructions the Hollywood trainer of the week posts in People's magazine or Oprah's newsletter
 -----  i would much rather tie a bit of social commentary in to our goals than just spout out sample weekly diet plans and workouts
     -

But for now , i'll toast my readers with a blender bottle full of almond milk and blended raspberries and say thank you ---  for your inspiration and ideas --- because my little articles dont just magically sprung from my mind , like the bubbling waters of the Fountain of Youth -----  i draw inspiration from my conversations and interactions with my fellow man


Have a safe and fruitful Memorial Day Weekend

- Doug

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---- Doug

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disclaimer:    The information contained here is not intended to replace the medical advice of your physician and is not intended as medical advice.  This newsletter/blog is a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of the staff of Fitclaimspro.com and professional colleagues unless otherwise noted