There is considerable discussion surrounding the objectification of women in modern media. But what about men? The pressure to be heavily-muscled grows stronger every day.
Tracy Tylka, of the Ohio State University reviewed previous studies and found that:
I'm sure the protein supplement industry loves the trend - not to mention the growth of steroid use among gym lifters.
Do you feel the pressure to get ripped? Does it lead you to pursue a healthy lifestyle or an unhealthy one?
Tracy Tylka, of the Ohio State University reviewed previous studies and found that:
"...media images of men in action toys, Playgirl centerfolds, etc., have become increasingly muscular over the last 25-30 years."Tylka also surveyed 285 college men. The men felt considerable pressure to conform to an idealized image. This pressure led them to "work out so much that weight training interfered with other parts of their lives."
I'm sure the protein supplement industry loves the trend - not to mention the growth of steroid use among gym lifters.
Do you feel the pressure to get ripped? Does it lead you to pursue a healthy lifestyle or an unhealthy one?
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4 Comments:
I don't feel an external pressure to get a six-pack. I have been persuaded that getting ripped does represent a good state of fitness from what I've read. Certainly controlling one's body weight is a good thing.
By Arnold at 3:09 AM
I don't either - I guess it depends on what or who you spend time with.
To me it goes back to functional fitness. If you attain a good level of strength, balance, endurance etc - it's highly unlikely that you will be overfat...
By Jim at 2:28 PM
Being actively involved in the health and fitness industry I have seen a change in the media. Everywhere you turn you hear about another diet or weight loss program being called the final solution. I hope this just doesn't discourage people from health and fitness.
By Jared Wash at 10:58 PM
A lot of people don't realize that part of building muscle is rest. Your muscles don't grow while you're lifting, they grow while you're resting. People who are weight training so much that it interferes with their lives obviously don't know this. After about 3 hours a week, you're probably doing more damage than good.
Also, protein supplements are not the best sources of protein. Meat, eggs, and milk will get you better results. The only time you should use a protein supplement is either right before or right after a workout or if you don't have time to cook a regular protein source.
Also, eating fat is just as anabolic as eating protein. Saturated fat seems to increase the amount of free testosterone in your body, aiding muscle growth.
People who feel this pressure to grow muscle should stop reading the muscle magazines. If they gave you good advice on building muscle, then you would only need a limited number of issues. I would recommend either Vince Gironda's programs or Muscle Building Nutrition by Will Brink.
By Ryan at 2:11 PM
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