In our society, where we often hear about obesity, weight loss, health, and fitness, it is common for people to equate appearance and body type with being healthy and fit. However, it is difficult to determine one's level of fitness on the basis of body type alone (Gaesser, 1996). For example, men and women with ideal bodies may have disordered eating patterns, excessive exercise habits, or use supplements, and as a result, may not be healthy. The purpose of this research was to examine the personal and cultural meanings that physically active male and female college students attach to being fit and healthy. A male researcher interviewed five male college students and a female researcher interviewed six female college students. All participants exercised three to five times per week for 30-45 minutes. The semi-structured interviews lasted 30-45 minutes and examined issues of health and fitness. During a portion of the interviews, participants answered questions concerning two sets of images – one set consisted of two fit males and the other set of two fit females. Although each image was of a fit individual, one individual in each set had a culturally ideal body while the other individual did not have a culturally ideal body. Data analysis consisted of familiarization, open coding, and axial coding by two researchers. Data were analyzed separately for men and women and then themes were compared across the two groups. Six major themes emerged from the data – two for men and women both, two for men, and two for women. The two themes, which overlapped for men and women, were visual (e.g., appearance) versus scientific comparisons (e.g., body composition) of fitness and health ideals and the importance of eating balanced meals for good health. Unique to the men, the two themes included the importance of female attraction to male perceptions of female health and the role of fathers in socializing men toward fitness and health ideals. For women, the two additional themes that emerged were an “if I can do this, I must be fit” mentality and the role of the media in socializing women toward fitness and health ideals. When examining personal and cultural definitions of fitness and health, results of the current study suggested that similarities and differences existed for men and women. Implications of these findings for recreational specialists and movement practitioners, such as creating exercise programs to match personal definitions of fitness and health, will be highlighted.