Plus-Size Runner Leads the Way for Overweight Athletes.” Mirna Valerio doesn’t have the typical body of a runner. In 2008, her doctor told her that, if she didn’t change her lifestyle, she would die. That prompted her to begin running one mile at a time. She now competes in ultra-marathons (100K races/62 miles) but she still hears, “Wow. You are a big girl. Are you sure you should be running?” She also began blogging about “being a runner in a big body” in her blog, Fat Girl Running, and has become an inspiration to overweight athletes. As an Athletic Trainer for more than 30 years and the founder of Fitness for Health, a therapeutic fitness facility helping children with special needs, adults wanting to regain their athletic edge, senior citizens and professional athletes reach their full potential, I have seen firsthand how being thin doesn’t make you a better athlete and how being a great athlete won’t necessarily make you thin. Although it is true that everyone – no matter of age, ability or weight – needs to exercise in order to live long, healthy lives, we need to focus on becoming fit and not just “looking” fit. Fitness should be fun! You don’t need to train like Ms. Valerio and run marathons. But, you need to have Ms. Valerio’s mindset. She said, “I think most people who are my size and in athletic pursuit, we exude something different. There is a joy in what we do and we love to spread that joy to other people. Especially if it motivates them and inspires them to be athletes.” And, that’s the goal of being an athlete – finding joy in the pursuit of bettering yourself. About Fitness for Health: Fitness for Health creates unique exercise programs based on a person’s individual fitness goals. Want to lose weight or maintain weight management for adults or kids? Interested in toning your body? Aspiring to improve your athletic edge? No problem! Whether you are a young child or a senior citizen, Fitness for Health can you help you and your loved ones reach your full potential. Do you want to improve your athletic skills? Try our EDGE Training using our one-of-a-kind training regimen utilizing our state-of-the-art, high-tech equipment to give you the EDGE when you need to take your game to the next level. EDGE Training is so much more than traditional training. We can help increase your visual acuity, balance, reaction time and speed. Want to know how we do this? Contact us at 301-231-7138 for a FREE, one hour workout!]]>
Tags: overweight, running, exercise, exercise benefits, health, athletes, fitness, athletic body, body type, fit, obese