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The convergence of beauty and fitness into a single entity is very different from how these individual concepts have historically been observed.
For generations, “beauty” was confined to its own space, largely focused on fashion, skincare routines and cosmetics. “Fitness” was a very distinct entity, mainly relegated to gyms, sports, and competitive performance.
Thankfully, today these lines are blurring.
“Health”, “energy”, and “confidence” are all key qualities in the convergence of beauty and fitness.
More specifically, strength training has slowly grown to become a necessary component of the modern beauty routine.
Today, let’s discuss this “new” definition of beauty, and how a fitness-focused lifestyle is not only a beneficial accessory piece, but is the foundation that it rests on.
A “New” Definition of Beauty?
“Beauty as vitality”
“Beauty as health”
“Beauty as confidence”
These are all platitudes we’ve heard (most likely many times) before. Unfortunately, for many of us, the common link between them has been invisible…despite it hiding in plain sight.
An active and energetic demeanor is pretty much universally accepted as being beautiful. It is also incredibly difficult to separate this demeanor from a physically fit appearance.
At the same time, it is possible to maintain a “healthy glow” with a proper nutrition and hydration routine, but incorporating a fitness regimen into this routine increases the candescence of this glow.
Is there anything more confidence-inducing than knowing you can overcome physical adversity and have a lifestyle optimized for longevity?
When looking at things this way, it appears as though the “updated” beauty markers online influencers are currently peddling have existed for quite some time.
Instead of approaching the combination of beauty and fitness as a new and somewhat intimidating “partnership”, rest assured that these concepts have always been very closely intertwined…long before the influencers started making reels about them!
Strength Training – The Beauty and Fitness Foundation
Wrapping your head around the idea of the convergence of beauty and fitness is one thing. Figuring out the most appropriate fitness-focused regimen is something else entirely.
With an ever-expanding array of different fitness styles and programs to choose from, (all of which claim to be the best option, of course), deciding on the one to pursue can be tricky.
At the risk of upsetting cardio-focused trainees, we suggest a fitness regimen that is primarily centered on strength training (don’t worry; it’s perfectly fine to slip in some treadmill work!)
Strength training provides the most benefits that align with the beauty and fitness “definitions” we mentioned earlier, and more specifically, is uniquely appealing for a number of additional reasons:
Muscle Tone and Body Composition
Dedicated cardio work can help craft a slim body. However, solely cardio-focused training does little to tone the body or to build the muscle necessary for improving body composition (Westcott, 2012).
This doesn’t mean hours-long workouts using excessively heavy weights are necessary, but any kind of resistance work that requires the muscles to develop will promote this beauty-enhancing characteristic.
Posture Improvement
Between its ability to correct muscle imbalances, improve muscle stability, and promote better body awareness, strength training is uniquely capable of improving posture.
By supporting and strengthening the postural muscles (muscles in the upper back, core, and glutes that are largely responsible for maintaining good posture), weight training can reduce slouching while increasing perceived body tone, facial appearance, and even perceived energy.
Besides drastically improving personal appearance, posture improvement provides a number of health and pain-reduction benefits, a few of which we will discuss in the next section.
Long-term Health and Aging
When it comes to preserving muscle mass and bone density, strength training is unparalleled. However, it also promotes improved metabolic activity, which helps to prevent fat gain, as well as improved hormonal balance. The resulting improved sleep quality and overall mood contributes to a more youthful, and less “frail” appearance.
The improved cognitive functioning that comes with consistent weight training as well as the enhanced joint health greatly reduce the development of neurodegenerative diseases joint instability alike (Liu-Ambrose et al., 2010). Cognitive clarity and a pain-free lifestyle are arguably the most “beautiful” qualities a woman can hope for.
Truth be told, there is no shortage of beauty-promoting fitness regimens. However, few offer as many benefits, both purely aesthetic as well as health-promoting benefits, as strength training.
Beauty-Focused Fitness Equipment
If the convergence of beauty and fitness is ever going to achieve the widespread recognition it deserves, proper tools must be adopted.
Traditional strength training equipment is almost universally industrial and rarely possesses any type of visual appeal. This is unfortunate because it’s very possible to develop equipment that is both functional and stylish.
Strength machines that incorporate modern aesthetics and clean colors are becoming increasingly popular. Equipment like the PLC01 Leg Extension Machine that deliberately incorporates a compact design helps to shed the heavy, bulky stereotype while colorful packages like the Pink Power Pro break the trend of dark, and frankly, depressing-looking, machines.
The fitness manufacturers more focused on visual appeal and style as opposed to crafting gear that intimidates, are clearly the biggest advocates for bringing beauty and fitness mainstream.
What’s Old is New…
As advocates for the promotion of beauty and fitness, we’re happy to see the concepts we’ve discussed today finally become popularized and promoted to wider audiences.
At the same time, we’re also glad that these concepts’ core principles have not changed at all.
We understand that these perceptions seem a bit contradictory. However, if you consider that the fitness markers we’ve discussed line up very closely with historically recognized components of beauty, and that many of these beauty markers are best achieved via a dedicated strength training regimen, it should start to make more sense.
Incorporating strength training into your beauty regimen may not be as orthodox as a dedicated skincare routine or paying close attention to fashion choices, but there is little doubt that it will be the most beneficial. The growing recognition of the convergence of beauty and fitness all but guarantees it!
References
- Liu-Ambrose, T., Nagamatsu, L. S., Graf, P., Beattie, B. L., Ashe, M. C., & Handy, T. C. (2010). Resistance training and executive functions: A 12-month randomized controlled trial. Archives of Internal Medicine, 170(2), 170–178.
- Westcott, W. L. (2012). Resistance training is medicine: Effects of strength training on health. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 11(4), 209–216.
