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By Kristin J. Reisinger, MS RD I recently received an email from someone saying that while I looked "fit," I also looked like I had never lifted a weight in my life. It was one of those real friendly types of emails I love reading first thing over my morning java. It annoyed me at first given the fact that I've been busting my butt physically for over six years now to reshape my body and become stronger, fitter and better. And while appearing small and sort of boyish in ways, I KNOW I am stronger, fitter and better than a lot of guys I know. Regardless, it got me to think about the meaning of fitness. It isn't the first time I've been berated for not having big muscles and I'm sure it won't be the last. But the truth is, my goal was never to become huge or mannish. That wasn't why I started training. I don't like the look of it, and frankly, it never occurred to me that the size of one's muscles were directly in proportion to their level of fitness. Well, lucky for me, I don't believe such nonsense. I'll leave that to the morons who send me these ridiculous emails. But I digress... my point in writing this article is to point out the different facets of fitness by spotlighting some of my favorite female athletes examining why they kick ass without being huge and bulky. My current favorite is triathlete, Lokelani McMichael. You've probably seen her on the cover of Outside Magazine, Muscle and Fitness Hers, Sports Illustrated for Women, FHM, Self and Runner's World amongst many others. She's a seven-time Ironman triathlete as well as the youngest person ever to qualify and compete at a mere 18 years old. At nearly 27 years old, her goal is to continue competing "until she's 80", breaking another record of being the oldest person to compete. As far as I'm concerned, she's fitness defined and she maintains a fabulously feminine physique without packing on large muscles. 26.2 miles running, 112 miles on a bike and a 2.4 mile swim all in a day's work... all that without looking like she's ever lifted a weight. I bet she'd twist my anonymous emailer into a pretzel. Next up on my list of female fitness fabulousness is the amazing Gabrielle Reece. Pro volleyball player gone golfer, Gabrielle's physique was one of the reasons I started training in the first place. Gabrielle trains like a guy, is a fierce competitor and yet has the beauty and grace of a supermodel. Need I say more? Third up on the list is pro surfer, Malia Jones. Another extreme sport athlete gone cover model, Malia has been on the cover of so many fashion and sports magazines I can't even begin to name them. Not before winning the World Championship in Tandem Surfing, though. She has been voted one of the 50 Most Beautiful People by People Magazine and one of the 10 Most Sexiest Athletes by Esquire Magazine. Malia doesn't have huge muscles either but is a sick surfer and fabulous athlete. Last up on my list is Tara Dakides, one of the best female snowboarders (also an avid songwriter and music fanatic). She's another exemplification of great athletic talent without large bulky muscles proving my theory correct, larger muscles do not necessarily make one more fit. Tara tears it up on the slopes and has won many titles in the half pipe, big air and slopestyle as well as suffered many injuries overcoming them all. She is a true athlete, one of the best in her sport and is a beautiftul representation of female fitness. Fitness is defined as: fit-ness ( P ) Pronunciation Key (ftns) n. 1. The state or condition of being fit; suitability or appropriateness. 2. Good health or physical condition, especially as the result of exercise and proper nutrition. This would include endurance, skill, strength and agility... not just the size of your muscles as exemplified by these great female athletes. Kristin Reisinger, MS RD, is a New York City-based nutritional consultant, fitness trainer, freelance health + fitness writer and musician. She holds a Master's Degree in Exercise Physiology + Nutrition from Columbia University and is a Registered Dietitian through American Dietetic Association. She is also a competitive figure athlete, former Galaxy competitor, avid snowboarder, rock climber and surfer. She has been competing for over five years and will continue to do so until she is 80. She can be contacted at kristin@kristinreisinger.com.