Every New Year's, gym memberships see a hike. It’s not difficult to figure out why: so many of us have New Year resolutions to "get in shape".
However, what does "get in shape" mean? The idea of being fit or getting into shape is mostly associated with a singular body type. For women, it’s the skinny waist, round buttocks and lean shoulders. For men, it’s all about broad chest, chiselled abs and muscular arms.
There is significant pressure to attain that one ideal body type to be able to see yourself as fit. And if you don’t fit into these moulds, it is assumed that you need to work harder on your body.
But fit is not a body type. Skinny does not necessarily equal ‘fit’. And fat or chubby does not necessarily mean ‘unfit’. You can be short, tall, skinny, broad-chested, have cellulite and still rock those complicated yoga asanas, those quirky dance moves and work out like a beast in the gym.
Don’t believe it? Watch this video for proof:
This video by Vitamin Stree features 46 women –sportspersons, dancers, fitness enthusiasts – in different shapes, at ease with their fitness routines.
“We have all struggled with body image issues at some point in our lives, and the illusion of what makes a “perfect body” is usually the reason for that. ‘Fit is Not A Body Type’ is a celebration of active women everywhere, irrespective of their age, shape or body size,” reads the description of the video.
The chorus of the accompanying music track is on point too:
“Don’t believe the hype,
I said don’t believe the hype
Fit is not a body type”
The lyrics of the music are sure to get you pumped up with powerful lines like, “Strong not skinny / Fit not fat / Natural, I like it like that / No finish line, no size zero / Phata poster aur nikli hero.”
You can check out Vitamin Stree’s Facebook page which features the inspiring stories of the women who appeared in the video.