On being a couch potato

Photo by Ian Burt, Flickr

The other day someone told my husband they were so proud of my fitness routine. Which is awesome. Except it was kind of a backhanded compliment because they told him that I used to be such a couch potato.

And he was pretty offended by that comment. I have never been a couch potato. I'm a hyper, always-moving type person. (He readily admits he's a couch potato.)

I haven't always been as active as I am now. I didn't have time.

In college, I was a workaholic. I was always studying or at work. After college, I was working 70 hours a week in my first jobs. Maybe I could have found time to workout, but I didn't. I was always busy with something: cooking, blogging, writing, reading, playing with my pets. I rarely sit still.

The comment grated him and it grated me. Someone else said I used to be sickly, which also offended me.

I have horrible allergies, that I haven't always had in check. I take about one sick day at work a year. That is not sickly.

I don't know what people say these things.

Am I healthier now?

Yes. I gave up dairy three years ago and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. My lactose intolerance got exponentially worsened in my 20s. I went from not being able to eat pizza—to being miserable if I had a bite of yogurt. So I cut it out completely and my daily stomach aches have banished. And I take calcium supplements and make sure to drink soy or almond milk.

I've got muscular arms now. But the thing is—I'm the same size I've always been. There's no dramatic weight loss. And at any point during my years of inactivity I could run an 8-minute mile. (I tried to take running back up about once a year during my hiatus.)

So this is probably a vent.

But people go through periods of inactivity and activity. Maybe I regret not being active all those years—but maybe I would have hurt myself, who knows? I started going to the gym when I had time for it—when my job changed and I had more time and more stress and needed an outlet.

My view is: If you work out—great! If you don't work out—make sure you eat healthy and have hobbies and outlets—then, good for you.

And just don't say: "I'm so proud of you" when I tell you about my fitness adventures.

It makes me feel like a special needs child.

Say: "I love that you're so into fitness. It looks like you're having so much fun."

Or just say: Cool or Good job. Awesome works too.

Keep it light and positive. There's no need for back handed compliments.