What a gorgeous weekend I just enjoyed in northern California, but even more enjoyable was flying without kids, an experience that I know find relaxing and enjoyable. Looking forward to a flight without anyone climbing on top of my head, dumping my bag out or running up and down the aisles, I purchased a few magazines with the intent of reading nothing but useless, mind numbing nonsense while someone served me drinks.
I cracked open Women’s Health purely for easy trashy reading. With titles like Look Better Naked, Sex Boosters, Slim Body Fat Wallet no one in their right mind would presume that this was actually a magazine devoted to “health”. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that this magazine chose to highlight and promote Jillian Michaels of The Biggest Loser as the epitome of health and wellness.
Anyone with a shred of common sense who watches The Biggest Loser quickly knows that the weight loss strategies employed by the show and thus supported by the trainers are unsafe, unhealthy and that the majority of contestants will most likely gain weight back. Watching a 450 pound contestant collapse from heat exhaustion simply supports the fact that the producers and trainers are placing money before the wellness of their “clients”. Put all of that aside though and one quote from the article by Jillian Michaels really sent me over the edge.
When asked about having children Jillian states that she is going to adopt, “because I can’t handle doing that to my body”. Is this the type of person that should be influencing the health and fitness decisions of America? Adoption is a generous, kind and giving gift, one that she be reserved for people who are grounded in reality and can provide a normal environment. Not one for someone who didn’t become pregnant in an effort not to ruin their body. If you are fit, healthy and focused before, during and after pregnancy then your body won’t have an issue. If you need inspiration look no further then CPT Kelly Calway of the US Army, who ran a marathon 6 weeks after her daughter Hazel was born.
Now a member of the Army’s World Class Athlete Program and training for the 2012 Olympics, CPT. Calway had the following to say after the birth of her daughter; the addition to her life has changed Calway’s life for the better. Motherhood has changed my outlook in so many ways. It’s also given me a new sense of purpose. My daughter is always with me during those tough races when I need to overcome mental and physical obstacles. I just think of Hazel and I make it happen.” Instead of a nation embracing an attitude like Calway’s, Michael’s has now provided the lazy and unmotivated women in the country the excuse they need to remain lazy and focused only on their own vision of perfection. The following was just one among many postings in a chat room:
I am 43 years old and have two children. I ruined my figure with the birth of my children. I became grossly overweight. If I had the choice to do it over, I would definitely choose adoption over carrying a child myself. I now have a terrible problem with my weight, which I have let spiral out of control. I now face the possibility of not being there for my children due to my obesity. Therefore, I highly recommend that if a woman has the opportunity to make the choice to give a child a much-needed home and family over having biological children of her own, I say go for it!. Save your figure and possibly your health. Adopt.“
Sure lady it was the birth of your children that made you grossly overweight, not the fact that you aren’t eating properly or even attempting the basics of exercise. Great mantra, save your figure, adopt! Wow Jillian what a legacy you are inspiring, well done!
FOR NOW I am trying to figure out how I can complete a marathon without actually running the race.
