Health, fitness, gains and wellbeing

[NopeNopeNopeNope]

A little over a year ago I asked a question on Reddit fitness that started a bit of a firestorm of debate

I got the idea to ask when I saw a very heavy woman approaching the summit of a hike I regularly do that is rated as “extremely difficult”. You really normally never see fat people on it because of the challenge. But this woman was, and nearly at the top. She was probably at least 230ish lbs and not that tall

She was struggling, and because of her large size and how difficult the hike is, I wanted to say something like “way to go” and give her a head nod or something

Reasons why I wanted to:

- She is essentially carrying a weight vest full of fat on her frame, adding extra challenge that I simply don’t have

- Her leg muscles might be somewhat used to that weight, but they are NOT used to carrying that weight up that steep of an incline

- Her ability to breathe and oxygenate her blood is likely sub-standard due to her size and slow metabolic health

Essentially this is equivalent to: strapping a weighed vest, putting on one of those fallout looking training masks that imitates high altitude breathing, and insisting that someone hike on underdeveloped legs. And no one does that shit. At least not all 3 of those things at once

So it is UNDENIABLY impressive her ability to finish the hike. Moreso than for just about anyone else there

Why I chose not to say anything:

- Didn’t want her to feel singled out for her weight. Or reminded that she is fat

When I asked Reddit, I was surprised to see the consensus not only agreeing with my choice to say nothing, but saying that congratulating her would be seen as condescending and insulting

It’s a shame because it’s like “you have overcome an undeniable disadvantage….that politeness dictates I not comment on”. Whereas if a guy hiking it had a prosthetic leg, I’m sure everyone would be cool with myself and everyone else congratulating HIM, which I’ve even seen before

Coddling heavy people’s insecurities is frustrating sometimes…