TODAY THE WORDS are FIT AS A FIDDLE. Most of us have heard the ole phrase, “fit as a fiddle” and I never knew what that was supposed to mean or why a fiddle was used. This phrase was used in the 1600’s to describe a servant that was qualified to do her job. Of course the ‘fiddle’ here is the colloquial name for violin. ‘Fit’ didn’t originally mean healthy and energetic, in the sense it is often used nowadays to describe the inhabitants of gyms. When this phrase was coined ‘fit’ was used to mean ‘suitable, seemly’, in the way we now might say ‘fit for purpose’. It somehow, when I was young, was used to describe someone in very good physical fitness, so therefore, the switch of meaning to this phrase. This morning I am taking a third switch so come along with me. Have you ever looked at a fiddle or violin closely? It is the crafting of this fine instrument that I want to share thoughts.
A violinist craftsman’s wife wrote that the minimum time it takes her husband to build a violin is 250 hours of intense work to make it. Others say a slighter number of 160 hours. Either way, this is a difficult, painstaking work of art and musical enchantment for all listeners. We have seen many fine fiddlers and from observing, it takes talent and a lot of energy to play this instrument. Now for the deeper thought and why this subject on a cold Saturday morning……Have you ever thought about what makes the difference between a fiddle and a violin? Nothing, except what kind of music is played using it……simple, right? When we think of a violin, we think orchestra, classical music, romantic genre. When we think of a fiddle, we think bluegrass, down home music, foot stomping or rowdy crowds. We are born as a possible violin or fiddle (same instrument) by the most creative maker ever and then it is up to us what music we want the musician (being life) to play thus defining which one we become, fiddle or violin. We can be more refined and have a desire to be more classical or we can love the down home music and be comfortable in jeans.
What is Physically Fit?
Are you physically fit if you don’t exercise? According to personal trainers, no you are not fit at all no matter what size you are. When asked why exercise is not a part of their lifestyles answers from “I don’t like to sweat” to “Why?” are produced. You may not like to exercise but exercise is a vital part of being strong, healthy and physically fit. If you would only exercise two or three times every week you would feel a dramatic improvement in daily life. More energy, strength and the ability to run around without being tired could be your reward.“I am physically fit because I am active. There is a bit of a Catch 22 here, you can only be fit if you re active, and you can only be active if you are fit. In other words, you cannot become fit simply by being active. Only by being fit can you become more active. It just gets worse. The answer is to maintain a level of fitness through consistent and challenging exercise programs. This is the only way to truly be physically fit. You can consider yourself physically fit when your body is able to do what you ask it to do. This comes from flexibility, endurance and strength.
Do you exercise or do you just fool yourself with the ideas that being active is all the exercise you need. Reconsider what you actually do and what you should be able to do. Can you touch our toes? No, you are not fit. Can you walk a mile without breathing hard? No, you are not physically fit. There is no “I am active so I am physically fit” answer. You need to exercise at least three to four times a week. Try to touch your toes and work up to walking a mile without breathing difficulties. You might just find that you feel so much better being “physically fit.”
Excerpt from HEALTH STATUS, titled ARE YOU PHYSICALLY FIT?
Another except from Crossfit Lake Tahoe which gives us the 10 components of Fitness:
There are ten recognized general physical skills, and they are all practiced regularly with CrossFit. You are as fit as your competency in each of these ten skills.
- Cardiovascular / respiratory endurance – The ability of body systems to gather, process, and deliver oxygen.
- Stamina – The ability of body systems to process, deliver, store, and utilize energy.
- Strength – The ability of a muscular unit, or combination of muscular units, to apply force.
- Flexibility – The ability to maximize the range of motion at a given joint.
- Power – The ability of a muscular unit, or combination of muscular units, to apply maximum force in minimum time.
- Speed – The ability to minimize the time cycle of a repeated movement.
- Coordination – The ability to combine several distinct movement patterns into a singular distinct movement.
- Agility – The ability to minimize transition time from one movement pattern to another.
- Balance – The ability to control the placement of the body’s center of gravity in relation to its support base.
- Accuracy – The ability to control movement in a given direction or at a given intensity.
Improvements in endurance, stamina, strength, and flexibility come about through training. Training refers to activity that improves performance through a measurable organic change in the body. (1 – 4)
By contrast improvements in coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy come about through practice. Practice refers to activity that improves performance through changes in the nervous system. (7 – 10)
Power and speed are adaptations of both training AND practice.
What is important, is we are still the same instrument from God’s hands so one doesn’t have to be “all fancy” or nothing is wrong with being “down home country”. God loves us all the same. So whether you are comfortable as a violin or a fiddle, we should try to stay “fit as a fiddle (or a violin) and that means “fit for the purpose” we were designed to be. Make some music in your hearts today and whether it is a concert or a hoe down, show love in all you do.
DAILY FEATURED BIBLE VERSE:
Psalm 101:1
A Psalm of David. I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will make music
(c) copyright 2012-2016 Arline Lott Miller. The material here copyrighted, use only by permission. 3rd party material referenced for source origination.
