Accessorizing

When I go out for a training walk, I’m covered head to toe in accessories. I’ve got a moisture-wicking cap (emblazoned with the Gilda’s Gang logo, of course), sleek polarized sunglasses, a purple rubber Road ID*, and a fancy watch that tracks my pace, time, and miles. Sometimes I wear a heart rate monitor, if I’m interested more in my calories burned than the miles walked.

A couple of weeks ago, I decided it was time to get an armband case for my iPhone. Even wearing my Road ID, I don’t like going out without my phone. I have yet to find workout pants that have a pocket big enough to hold one, and I hate carrying things in my hands when I’m training. So I ordered this.

Here’s a description, by the manufacturer:

A slim, lightweight design and soft, comfortable neoprene material combine to make the protective Belkin DualFit Armband for iPhone 4 the ideal complement to your active lifestyle. With a secure Velcro closure that adjusts to most arm sizes, the DualFit Armband is water-resistant, handwashable, and features a reflective stripe for safety.

Guess what? It doesn’t fit my arm. I’m outside the range of “most arm sizes.” So, I’ve found yet another product that makes me feel lousy about my body size. (I also thought about how this product won’t fit someone with very muscular arms, either.)

I know that not every product can be made to fit every single body that exists on this planet. But I also don’t think, in the case of this product, it would be that difficult to add a few inches to that “soft, comfortable neoprene material.”

We are constantly bombarded with messages to lose weight, get fit, be healthier. But when you’re fat (ostensibly the target market for these messages), and clothing, products, and accessories are not designed to fit you, it’s disheartening and discouraging. I wish I had an answer – other than to keep talking about these issues. If enough people start asking for something, it will make a difference. I hope.

 

*If you’re doing any kind of distance walking, running, or hiking, I highly recommend getting one of these. They come in all sorts of colors and styles, and can be worn on your wrist or ankle. The customized plate can contain whatever is most important to you, including contact phone numbers, medical information, etc. They’re pretty inexpensive, especially for the peace of mind they bring.

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