Fit vs. Big: Why Bigger Muscles Aren't Always Better

At first glance, the model of perfect health might appear to be the models on fitness magazine covers, and the ripped, muscle-bound and seemingly fit folks strutting their stuff at the gym.

But the fact is that there are a lot of misconceptions floating around as to what it means to be in "good shape" — and having huge muscles or low body fat doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in ideal shape, or even healthy.

Here are just three ways that big guys may not actually have ideal fitness:

So while exercise is good for you, it is very important to ensure that getting big doesn’t keep you from being fit or damaging your health.

So how can you ensure that you’re both healthy and fit? Here are three ways:

Ultimately, you can be big, fit and healthy at the same time, but traditional body-building and old school nutritional tactics may not be the best way to do it.