Mahler’s Monday Morning Motivator # 169 – Y A F I ‘ s

[Mahler]

Mahler’s Monday Morning Motivator # 169 – Y A F I ‘ s

Y A F I ‘ s

Spring is winding down and will soon give way to summer, if it hasn’t already with the noticeably warm temperatures. Schools have or will be closing their doors and unleashing their populations on the world for a few happy, and seemingly endless months. We have already crested the wave of the frail and the frantic who suddenly look at the calendar and decide that it’s time once more to get in shape for the beach, an annual ritual that is usually doomed to certain failure.

Along with the get in shape trend, around this time of year is the usual speculation in magazines and on the Internet as to what exactly “in shape” means. Or, should I say what someone’s opinion of what “in shape” is supposed to be. These usually surface from time to time as YAFI’s. Now, don’t go running for the dictionary or click on your Google icon. I just made it up. YAFI’s are nothing more than the many “You Are Fit If” lists, articles, tests and measurements that appear and seem to be accepted as the holy grail of fitness by anyone who knows what a dumbbell looks like.

These YAFI’s usually have a number of fitness parameters or goals, if you will, but invariably they take a basic lift and tell you what the entire world should be able to do with it. I, on the other hand, would like to tell the author what he should do with it. For, example, one recurring test says that every man, who is a man who is fit should be able to bench one and a half times his body weight, minimum. Can’t do that? You are one unfit individual. Give up now, ‘cause your butt is weak.

Well, I am here to tell you something. I know exactly what a dumbbell looks like. I am as curious as the next person and read and compare myself to the YAFI’s. I cannot bench one and a half times my body weight. But, you know what? I am damned fit and would defy any list-maker or test-total to prove me wrong.

Basically, YAFI’s can use a wide range of methodology. Some are based on studies or carefully calculated averages, while others are formulated by some guy who simply says “hey, I can do this, so you should too.” What is necessary to understand is that they end up being very narrow in their application. I have seen people sidetrack their entire program in pursuit of hitting the target ranges on one of these lists. That is far from a long term or well rounded goal.

YAFI’s are amusing and often even fun, but can sometimes be a major discouragement to your efforts. Never fool yourself into thinking that some list (why are there always 10?) of weight ranges, speeds or times somehow defines you or your level of fitness. Hard work, determination and steady improvement will do that for you.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Have a Great Week!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

[GG300]

You mean I shouldn't get discouraged if I don't "Get a Six Pack of Abs in just 6 Weeks"

Thanks John

[AFI82]

It took you 6 weeks? My Abs arrived in just 10 business days.

Good post Mahler. It's easy to get caught up in the fluff of "be fit fast for the summer" stuff. Or "you don't have a worthy beach bod if you can't..."

[RobLL]

Good one Mahler - you really wonder what people are thinking when they set these standards. From the diet pyramid to BMI to weight to running. I like it that on this forum when a newbie asks what they should do, we reflexively ask where are you now, and where do you want to be, and why.

[FlyinM]

Originally Posted by The Prime Motivator

Along with the get in shape trend, around this time of year is the usual speculation in magazines and on the Internet as to what exactly “in shape” means. Or, should I say what someone’s opinion of what “in shape” is supposed to be.

Hey, I've always been shape. Round is a shape.

Great thoughts, John.

[K-Court]

Hmmm. Bench one and a half times my bodyweight, eh? I think I need to lose some weight then .....

Good thoughts, John. Thanks as usual.

[RacerBill]

Originally Posted by Mahler

I have seen people sidetrack their entire program in pursuit of hitting the target ranges on one of these lists. That is far from a long term or well rounded goal.

I've found it tempting to change programs just to do well on one of these tests. Finally I had that moment of epiphany that some mags come out with a new test every month, and no one has the ability to ace them all.

[jj]

Great post John, I have also often read these and chuckled. I am glad I have this place to get my info from and I always point everyone that asks me about fitness in this direction.

[Blackjack]

But you can deadlift 315...right?

[FishrCutB8]

It's why I TRI....YAFI you are better than last time.