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Photo Credit: startrek.com
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One of the things I appreciate the most about Star Trek fandom is just how much it embraces and embodies its ideals. People of all ages, nationalities, races, personalities, gender expressions, sexual orientations, body shapes and more not only live one of the property's central tenants; Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations, but they actively invite others to share their fandom with them.
Photo Credit: StarTrek.com
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And because of this, Star Trek fans become more than just people they meet up with at watch parties, social media groups, conventions, or even cruises. They become friends--and family--as they actively support and encourage one another throughout their "regular" lives. Through job changes, births, deaths, and even setting exercise goals, they become everything that Starfleet stands for, a cohesive unit dedicated toward bringing out everyone's best.
Photo Credit: StarTrek.com
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I thought a lot about this phenomenon--how very much like Starfleet fans are--when I set out to write my fifth Star Trek book, Body by Starfleet. As can be seen throughout the over 50 years of Star Trek, with rare exception, people (or aliens or species or...well you get the idea) are not judged based on what they look like. Bele and Lokai may have had serious issues with appearances, and though Bones may have blustered about easy targets like Spock's ears and the color of his blood, you know he was really just frustrated with Spock's attitude or actions and grasping at the lowest hanging alien fruit before him.
Photo Credit: StarTrek.com
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This book is not about being the skinniest or the strongest or the fastest in the quadrant. It's about making small steps for everyone--whether they regularly exercise or haven't been to a gym in years, to boldly live their best life and explore new ways to help them feel good about themselves. And when you feel good about yourself, you're then able to help other people feel good about themselves.
Photo Credit: StarTrek.com
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After I worked with a certified trainer to make sure the exercises in Body by Starfleet were real and targeted the various parts of the (typical humanoid) body, I worked to make each one as fun and engaging as possible. Jumping jacks sound difficult and boring. Tholian Web Jumps, however, sound much more exciting! Few people want to do a Crunch, but what ensign wouldn't want to try a Wesley Cruncher? And even a Klingon couldn't resist doing a Tribble Twist!
Photo Credit: StarTrek.com
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I'm really excited for Body by Starfleet to beam into peoples' lives, and hope it furthers Gene Roddenberry's hope for a future filled with hope, health, and acceptance.
Photo Credit: StarTrek.com
