THE THING
Here’s the Thing! The human body is designed to be active. It is a known scientific and biological fact that the less we do, the unhealthier we become. Cells in the body need to be energised, muscles need to be moved and blood needs to be oxygenised.
Real Men understand that they need to exercise and to be active in order to be healthy and have a better quality of life. By exercising we mean active, not a couch potato.
Men also need physical activity in order to reduce stress. Any form of exercise, activity or physical hobby should also build in relaxation, teamwork and fun.
The older you get the more you need to “exercise”.
Let’s look at the word – workout – for what it really is; what are you working out?
You are working out an unhealthy lifestyle and diet; you are literally working it out of your body. You are working out stress, literally, physically forcing stress out of your muscles, refocusing your mind and taking yourself out of your everyday stress and commitments.
It’s also work, it’s effort, it needs energy and concentration so you have to work it.
Please don’t believe all of the crap they try and tell you and sell you on social media and media in general. No workout programme, no exercise routine, no specific programme or exercise equipment is going to work for everyone. People are different, and what may work for you may not work for me, so it is important that you find the activity that best works for you.
THE REWARD
A healthy body is a healthy mind.
A healthy body has energy to go above and beyond at work.
A healthy body is attractive and appealing.
A healthy body sleeps well and has loads of energy.
A healthy body is admired and respected because people realise the amount of dedication, hard work and sacrifice it takes, not only to get into shape, but to stay that way.
THE HOW TO
- Working out is all relative and based on your age, interests and abilities. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
- For some it may be hard-core gym every day or it could simply be parking your car at the furthest part of any parking lot, so that you have to walk a number of steps every day.
- Men have different interests and varying physical abilities. Find the sport or activity that suits your body type and temperament and make it a continuous task. It’s really the same as eating, but more about that later.
- Almost any activity or sport will be beneficial, but you should always consult exercise physiologists, doctors and specialists for the best activities that suit your individual needs.
- As men get older they lose muscle and it is advised that resistance training and weights should form a major part of their exercise regimen.
- The one aspect of physical health that we tend to forget is stretching, toning, rest and relaxation. Getting enough rest after exercise and having quality sleep, both play a major role in your physical wellbeing.
- Here’s the thing! We all know how to exercise and what we need to do in order to stay fit and healthy. It really isn’t rocket science and there are thousands of books, mags and web sites that will gladly take your cash and help you. Most of it is just common sense – so Real Men just get on with it. They know that they have to be active. They set themselves a weekly, monthly and annual target and they get on with it.
- Working out to a Real Man is like brushing his teeth or taking a dump; it’s just part of the day and there is not much thought or issue with it. Just create a habit and get it done.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
- Isn’t this area out of your league?
Yes and no. I have been exercising for most of my life and I have consulted with loads of exercise professionals. Each and every one gives their own take on how you should be physically active. Unfortunately, most of it is based on where they are in their lives and the ‘3-week personal trainer course’ that they went on. Find somebody your own age who has been there and done that; and who is in the shape or physical health that you wish to achieve, and listen to them. Listen to them, but always do what is right for you and your body; and get yourself checked out by a health professional before you start any new activity. Obviously, I said that last line to cover myself legally, but if you’re stupid enough to go into something that you are not physically ready for, or capable of, then you’re just asking for trouble.Some extremely overweight guy, father and husband, decides, all of a sudden, to start swimming to lose weight. He actually had a heart attack in the swimming pool and died in the water. Wake up people. Know your body, know your limits and get yourself checked out.
WISDOM
“Just pull your shit together and go and work out, be stronger than your excuses. A one hour workout is only 4% of your day.” – Various gym quotes spliced into one