[Tati]

^ But what about people who think of physical fitness less in terms of looking good and more in terms of athleticism? I don't really put the ability to do long-distance hikes, mountain climbing or triathlons on the same scale as simply looking good in a bikini. I enjoy working out and feeling fit, and it's never really been about being hot - I'd rather have some muscle than be lean and willowy with big boobs any day.

But I do both, I work out a few hours a week (it doesn't have to take more than that, and it can include sports), work three days a week and go to school three days a week to finish my degree. I plan to get a Master's within a few years, I just also plan to be an athlete at the same time. And I use that fitness to rough it while traveling and seeing the world, get around the city without a car, walk long distances (which I think is good for the mind as well), and play team sports.

That's not to say that I disagree with your underlying premise, I'd just hate to think that if I had a visibly fit and athletic body (which I don't at the moment, but have in the past and hope to again! lol) that it would be assumed I focused on that at the expense of my brain. One can only put so many hours a day into developing their mind anyway - if I use 45 minutes every other day to work out does that make me shallow?

(I'm seriously not trying to sound bitchy, I just don't think I agree that one necessarily has to suffer.)