The rise of social media has opened the door for almost anyone to get connected with the fitness, health, and wellbeing industry. Worth over $100 billion per annum, it’s not difficult to understand why brands are so focused on messaging to men. However, the real rise is the opportunities these social media platforms are offering independent gyms, franchise operators, personal trainers, and coaches.
Devising a product that you can market directly to the consumer is changing the game in the Fitness Professional Industry. There is a myriad of workouts, routines, and schedules all offering transformations in strength, health, wellness, and lifestyle. Why are men one of the fastest-growing consumer trends post Covid-19?
When we walk through the annals of history, our bodies have evolved to meet the environment in which we exist. We are not in hunter/gatherer mode in the 21st century. Nonetheless, we can draw parallels with the psychology that has transcended the ages in the maintenance of a healthy physique. After spending 8 years in the Fitness Sector, I have witnessed what motivates men to work out. Time to drop the barbells and discover why.
Hello Mr. Ego
Walk across any gym floor and you will see groups of men challenging, cajoling, and fist-bumping each other. I was guilty of this myself when I worked in the industry. Who can shift the most iron on a barbell is how you are judged. Are you the alpha? We can go into another debate about toxic masculinity at this point. However, let’s agree that ego, self-comparison, and social status all play a dominant role in this type of behavior. It will alienate half of the other gym users, but motivate those in the group to push themselves to their limits. There is no harm in testing yourself by lifting more weight or pushing out more reps. Managing the ego is extremely important within gym culture. Don’t enable it to prevent others from pursuing their fitness goals.
Are you a Peacock?
Do you have the strut? Men are no different than women when it comes to matters of the heart. We all want to be loved, find happiness, and connect with a significant other that can share our lives. Any man that states otherwise is not being honest with himself. Reflect on the confidence boost you felt after you kissed someone for the first time. How about when you ask them to dance, and they said yes. There are virtues of courage and valor in these very acts. What did that do for your self-esteem? The dopamine hit is no different from achieving your personal best on the squat rack. Both provide magnetic energy that leaves you feeling inspired. Now get those feathers out, and do what comes naturally.
Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity. –John F Kennedy
Quality of Life
As we transition through life, our fitness, health, and wellbeing goals change. These are shaped by the circumstances we face. We can explore these in decades. Men in their 20s have different goals than those in their 40s with kids and a family to support. Maintaining a healthy physique as you age is crucial.
Do you want to play sports with the kids without needing to stop every 2 minutes? How about extending your life beyond expectancy outcomes? Do you want to experience your time as best you can, creating memories with your loved ones? Are you motivated about protecting your mental health? I’m a firm advocate in the role of exercise in improving your daily energy, combatting disease, and helping you focus on everyday events.
If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little, and not too much, we would have found the safest way to health. –Hippocrates
Shows, Supplements, and Preparation
Be warned, this requires real perseverance, commitment, and discipline. We can trace god-like physiques back to the Romans or Spartans; men who were preparing for battle, feasting on meat, and using some of the most basic equipment to become physically strong. Fast forward to Charles Atlas, (Mr perfect physique), Arnold Schwarzenegger’s (Mr. Universe’s 7-time champion), and Mariusz Pudzianowski (5-time world’s strongest man) and we can recognize the dedication to achieve success in the most demanding of environments.
Men who compete in strongman, fitness, or bodybuilding events build their whole lives around meal preparation, the timing of meals, content of meals, training schedules, periodization, sleep quality, workout hacks, and every other method you can think of to get into peak condition. This pathway requires self-determination, mental toughness, and real grit to continually push their bodies to the limits.
Bodybuilding is much like any other sport. To be successful you must dedicate yourself 100% to your training, diet, and mental approach. –Arnold Schwarzenegger
The Social Experiment
Gyms floors can be a real opportunity to connect and build relationships with others. Some call this finding your tribe. You will continually see men being called into action to become spotters when someone is attempting increased poundage on the bar, jumping in between sets of strangers, as they need access to that machine to meet their training goals, or engaging in random conversations within the locker room. This can generate a healthy rapport, enabling you to become part of informal groups. Some men just enjoy the social aspect of chatting while doing their workout. They are not there to mold chiseled physiques, shredded abs, or develop shoulders akin to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Striking a balance can be difficult for some. What grinds my gears are those who come to the gym, do the bare minimum, and then sit in the steam room talking about the intensity of their workout. You can spot these bluffers at 1000 paces.
The rise in online fitness professionals shows no signs of abating. Always be mindful of tips, advice, and recommendations you read online. Remember everyone’s workout motivations differ, as does their body’s response to changes in diet, stress, and intensity. Complete your homework, and gain insights from various sources both academic and professional. Get that barbell off the floor and start lifting.
***
Support The Good Men Project on Patreon to help us build a better, more inclusive world for all.
***
Photo credit: Shutterstock
The post Why Do Men Workout? Five Reasons Why Fitness and Exercise Matter appeared first on The Good Men Project.