Why fitness isn’t just about looks? by Parnika Thakare

 Why fitness isn’t just about looks?

Let’s be real — most people think that working out, is about abs, toned arms, and trying to

look like some influencer on TikTok. But honestly, fitness isn’t just that but it’s more than that.

It’s not just about looking a certain way, it’s about feeling good — like actually having energy

during the day, not crashing after lunch, or even just feeling confident walking into school.

Being fit doesn’t mean you have to have a model body. It’s supposed to mean your body

works well, your heart’s healthy, and you can do the things you love without getting tired in a

short period of time.

People sometimes don’t realize how fitness help you mentally and keeps your mind fit, too.

I’ve had days where I was super stressed about school or life, and just going and playing

badminton or doing some fitness helped me calm down and distracted me. Working out

literally makes your brain release those feel-good chemicals and it actually changes your

mood. It’s like a switch for mental reset. You don’t need to run marathons or lift weights like

crazy — even putting your favourite music on and dancing on it in your room counts. If

you’re ever feeling off, try moving your body. It sounds small, but it works.

And here’s the thing: Being “fit” doesn’t mean that you have to look a certain way. Fitness

doesn’t have any one look. You can look different but be strong, healthy, and active in your

own way — whether that’s playing badminton, skateboarding, swimming, dancing, or just

walking your dog. The aim isn’t to look perfect, it’s to feel better — physically and mentally.

So next time someone makes it all about looks, remember: real fitness is about feeling alive,

not just looking “aesthetic.”

—Parnika Thakare