Fit mother attacked on Facebook

[FloridaJudy]

245. She wasn't attacked for being in shape

Last edited Thu Oct 17, 2013, 07:12 PM - Edit history (2)

She was criticized for being a smug braggart about it. Some people really do have excuses; they have arthritis, or severe asthma, or degenerative disc disease, or cerebral palsy. It doesn't mean they shouldn't exercise, just that they should stick to non-weight-bearing stuff like swimming and yoga, that won't give them sculpted abs, even if it makes them healthier.

Shaming people into exercising and dieting has never worked. I had a high school gym teacher like that, and over fifty years later I still cringe when I hear the word "aerobics". I also had one who encouraged her students to find something vigorous they enjoyed doing every day, like dancing or bike riding, because "it can be a lot of fun, and you'll feel better". I suspect that students who only had Audrey "hairy legs" are probably exercising more today than those subjected to the cruel cutting comments of Georgia the former cheerleader.

I have a good Facebook friend who recently suffered a devastating loss. He frequently posts about his diet and exercise program. Getting into shape is his way of dealing with the grief, and one that's a helluva lot healthier than drugs or alcohol or watching TV twenty hours a day. Even complete slugs like me encourage him, because he's kind and funny, and isn't a complete dick about it.

It's not the photo. It's the attitude.