Forward Movement Magazine Winter Issue 1 2015/2016 | Page 4

THE DEFINITION OF “FIT” THE STANDING OVATION FOR WADE WASHINGTON WAS POWERFUL. EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Audra Oden I was there that night in Stafford, Texas at the Formulation One Classic bodybuilding competition when Wade proudly accepted his first place medal. A tear or two welled up in my eyes as I watched the entire audience of fitness fans and supporters cheer with genuine applause. If you didn’t feel the camaraderie radiating in that room you must have been so carb depleted you were numb. I imagine no one left that auditorium without feeling truly inspired and humbled. Not only did Wade Washington show us that someone with cerebral palsy and scoliosis could accomplish such a feat, men and women over the ages of 70 also showed us that they too could stand up on a stage and showcase their hard earned physiques. The majority of us who fancy social media are so accustomed to seeing peak physical perfection of men and women that look like they were illustrated by comic book artists. We have created a definition of “fit” in our minds and have a difficult time opening up to other embodiments of the word. But what about people like Wade and the 70 plus? They too go through meal prep, weight training, sweat, blood and tears, and even the infamous oompaloompa tan! They are equally the definition of “fit.” All of this had me questioning. How do you redefine it? Can it even be done? The concept for Forward Movement Mag originally began as a ‘fitness competitors only’ type of publication. As a photographer, I work with many top competitors, the ‘perfect people’ so to speak, and thought that putting them all together in one beautifully designed layout would be a win. However, what makes that different from any other fitness magazine or online piece you see? I then decided that we would focus on the WHY and not the WHAT and create a magazine that is built on community. We want to encourage open conversation to promote empowerment. The drive, the love of fitness, and the desire to be better is the WHY, and is something we all share deep within our sweaty little souls! So welcome to Forward Movement. On the cover you will find Wade Washington, a true inspiration to us. Inside we have our fispirators in our Forward Movers section. We also want to provide you with current information, health and fitness answers, and articles that will keep you moving forward with your fitness endeavors. I hope you enjoy the first issue. Any comments or feedback please contact me directly! Let us continue to move forward! Happy Holidays, and an amazing start to 2016. Audra Oden EDITOR-IN-CHIEF [email protected] PHOTO CREDIT // Digital Icon [email protected] EXECUTIVE EDITOR Antoinette Cheek CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chris Darby, Amy Rios, Natalie Rochner GUEST WRITERS Leanna Baucum, David Robson ART DESIGN DIRECTOR Darin Bliss CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Audra Oden ADVERTISING DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Antoinette Cheek [email protected] CORPPORATE PUBLISHER Suite 2a Visit Us At WWW.FORWARDMOVEMENTMAG.COM Forward Movement Magazine is published online six times a year by Suite2a LLP in Houston, Texas. Our online publication carries the latest about the health and fitness industry to provide you with motivation, industry knowledge, and information on health related topics. Disclaimer: Forward Movement Magazine is intended to inspire and educate readers about health and fitness. It is not intended to diagnose or treat a medical condition. Please discuss with your physician prior to beginning a physical fitness regimen.  Every body is different, so please take what you read in our magazine as general information. All rights reserved.