Article - There's More to Life than Six Pack Abs

[thedreamthief]

From the Art of Manliness blog. I don't necessarily agree with them, but, they do make some interesting points:

link to article: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs | The Art of Manliness
There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

from The Art of Manliness by Brett & Kate McKay

Photo by Tanworkboots

Men’s magazines are filled with exercise and workout routines designed to give you a chiseled physique. The glossy ads in the magazine showcase the desired result of all this work: a chiseled and ripped body. But what is the end goal of the pursuit of all
this muscle? Some men work out for the health benefits, for pleasure, and to generally stay in shape. This is reasonable and desirable. Every man should want to be fit and healthy. But some men develop an unhealthy obsession with getting a ripped physique. Steroid use has become common, not just for athletes, but also for average joes who don’t want to be so average. But to what end? To attract the ladies? To meet some idealized image of the male body? Such a pursuit is a huge waste of time. Here are some reasons why:
Huge muscles are not as attractive to women as you may think

While there’s no denying the fact that women view a man’s ripped physique as a sweet bonus, it’s rarely, if ever, a deal breaker. The women I have known in my life have been far more focused on a man’s personality, sense of humor, decency, confidence, and ambition, than whether he had six packs abs. Research studies have born this out.
Several years ago, psychiatrists at the Biological Psychiatry Laboratory gave a computerized test to college students in the US, France, and Austria. The men could choose from 10 different layers of fat and 10 different layers of muscle to create what they believed was the most attractive body type to women. The study found that men consistently layered on more muscle than women actually preferred.
A follow-up study had similar results. Compared to Taiwanese men, Western men greatly overestimated how much muscle is desirable to women. The men were asked to choose the body type which they thought was most attractive to women. They overwhelming chose a physique with 20-30 lbs more muscle than average. But when women were asked to choose the body type they found most appealing, they chose the average one.
Why is there such a disconnect between what women want and what men think they want? Interestingly, one reason the study posited on why Taiwanese men don’t desire huge muscles the way Western men do, is that women and men have more parity in the West than in Asia. Harrison Pope, whose lab headed up the studies, said, “Nowadays, women can do almost anything that a man can do with one exception: They can’t bench press 315 pounds, no matter what the Supreme Court says. It may be a last refuge of masculinity for some men in the West.” Hopefully, reading this blog has convinced you that there are more avenues to being a man than how much weight you can squat. Spend your time developing truly manly traits, not your pecs.
Avoid being a dupe of the media

Of course another reason men are increasingly making a ripped physique their goal, are the images constantly being pushed by the media. In the 1950s, only 3% of print advertisements showed men undressed. Today it has risen to more than 35%. While many men believe themselves immune from the effect of such images, they are unfortunately taking their toll. It has been estimated that about 45% of Western men are unhappy with their bodies to some degree, compared with only 15% some 25 years ago.
The problem is not so much the number of images, but the impossible standard of body type those images convey. The majority of men don’t have the genetic makeup to attain the bodies seen in magazines, and in trying to attain it they feel frustrated and inadequate. It’s not longer acceptable to simply be in shape, now a man should apparently want to look like Matthew McConaughey.
It wasn’t always so. The manly men of yesteryear like Humphrey Bogart, James Dean, Cary Grant, and so on had normal, average physiques.

James Dean. Average Body. Bad Ass.

Matthew McConaughey. Pretty Boy.

1960s Batman. Average build, but still managed to defeat the Joker and have a career as the Mayor on Family Guy.

When you have start putting abs on your Bat suit, you know you’ve been duped by the media.

The Duke didn’t have a six pack. Did that stop him beating the bad guy and getting the girl? Hell no, Pilgrim!

Obsessing about your physique gets in the way of your life

The other night I was tearing into a delicious burger at Red Robin when I looked over at a family sitting at an adjacent table. The whole family was chowing down except for the dad. This man, with his biceps and tree trunk neck bulging out of his t-shirt, was eating his two bunless, unadorned burger patties with a fork. He wouldn’t touch the fries. I pitied this man.

Attaining the kind of physique showcased in Men’s Health requires a man to organize his life around that goal. He spends many hours in the gym each week. He totes around Tupperware containers of chicken breasts and broccoli so he can eat “clean” every 3 hours. He even brings these to dinner parties, or avoids these parties altogether since they’ll tempt him to blow his diet. He avoids going on vacation and thus having to miss his workouts. And all for what exactly?

You lose focus on why exercise if truly important

Exercise offers a myriad of benefits: it can boost your brain power, help your heart, prevent Alzheimers, alleviate stress, and knock out your depression. But if the focus of your workouts is to add another inch to your bicep or to go down 1 percentage point in your body fat, you may one day burn out on exercise altogether. If you only workout to get ripped, then when you don’t see the results you were hoping for, or the results come too slowly, you may give up. The key to a lifetime love for exercise is finding deeper motivations than physical appearance.

Instead of concentrating on having six pack abs, focus on becoming “functionally fit.” What’s the point of fitness if it doesn’t help you in your everyday life? When are you going to have to press 400 lbs off your chest? If a car falls on you? Good luck with that. Keep your back strong so you can play with your kids. Keep your heart healthy so you can live into old age with your wife. Keep your muscles limber so you don’t pull something while running between gates at the airport. So keep your workouts simple. Find your local Cross-Fit, or stick with the basics, like running and the Holy Trinity of Fitness.

<

UFC Fighters are good example of “functionally fit.” No six pack, but they have have the strength and stamina to kick your ass.

Obsessing about your physique spends your supply of self-discipline

Studies have shown that your brain power has a finite amount of willpower. If you spend your willpower on one task, you have less willpower for other tasks. For example, if you spend you willpower on being frugal, you may gain weight because you will have less self-discipline when it comes to eating. Or if you spend your willpower on your academic studies, you may have trouble reigning in your spending. Likewise, if you spend all your willpower on going to the gym, busting out just one more set of curls, and resisting that slice of chocolate cake, you will have less willpower to apply to tasks that really matter like moving up in your job, studying, being a better husband, boyfriend, and dad, and harnessing your emotions, temper, and jerky impulses. This may be why there if often a close correlation between meatheads and douche bags.

If you liked this article, please bookmark it on del.icio.us or vote for it on Digg. I’d appreciate it.
Subscribe to Art of Manliness by RSS or Web-Based Email :: Redirect to get your FREE guide to being a gentleman in 2008.

Download Your Free Guide to Being a Gentleman in 2008.

[get456]

I think that is SO true....

I def learn on a daily basis that women in general are far less impressed with our bodies than we are with ourselves...

Hard to admit for many but very true overall

[ILIEKFUDE]

I think the article is insulting. Why? It insinuates that men workout solely because they give a shit what "some women" care about it.
Do any of you really workout simply to look better for women? Thats kinda lame.
If you are really into something, bodybuilding for example, and yr chick doesnt dig it then you should probably find a new chick instead of trying to look like an abercrombie flamer for her benefit.

[ILIEKFUDE]

Check out this quote from the article this guy is basing his entire blog on:

The results: Men with muscular physiques were rated nearly twice as sexy as non-muscular men, but they were also rated twice as intimidating and dominant.

So in fact this isnt an issue with a male misconception... its an issue with female self esteem. They find muscular men more attractive but are afraid they will cheat on them and leave them compared to an "average guy".

[Ulter]

Originally Posted by ILIEKFUDE

I think the article is insulting. Why? It insinuates that men workout solely because they give a shit what "some women" care about it.
Do any of you really workout simply to look better for women? Thats kinda lame.
If you are really into something, bodybuilding for example, and yr chick doesnt dig it then you should probably find a new chick instead of trying to look like an abercrombie flamer for her benefit.

Agree

[wags8]

I disagree with most of that article. I'm not impressed by visable abs on a young man because I had them until my mid 30's without any attempts at having abs. My metabolism and my non-stop work/play ball schedule didn't allow any fat to cover them up. I admire a person who has the drive and determination to change their body by hard work. I admire the people that make huge transformations for the better, and I celebrate their success. Does that make me a " dupe of the media "? I love the fact that I was able to get in the best shape of my life in my 50's by diving into strength training and the physical changes I made have changed my life. I was always self conscious of my skinny upper body even into my 40's. The part about being more attractive to women is just a side benefit... but I love it. Consider the alternative at age 52. You feel like your losing your mojo. Your muscles disappear, your sex drive doesn't care anymore, you don't feel attractive at all. FUCK THAT! Now... this sounds egomaniacal... when I'm taking batting practice and strip down to a wife beater and I stand up there jacking 20 balls over the trees, and I turn around and people have gathered to watch... you better believe I'm lovin' it. So if that guy eating the burgers without fries and buns is reaping the rewards that I am... he doesn't need anybody's pity. Strength and willpower should always be admired.

[nychris]

Originally Posted by ILIEKFUDE

Check out this quote from the article this guy is basing his entire blog on:

So in fact this isnt an issue with a male misconception... its an issue with female self esteem. They find muscular men more attractive but are afraid they will cheat on them and leave them compared to an "average guy".

lol, thats funny. I'll post this as a comment for you on the site. I just posted two replies myself already.

[Hidngod]

This may be why there if often a close correlation between meatheads and douche bags.

This statement incensed me. Most dedicated lifters I've met & emet have all been intelligent, relatively courteous, and very helpful.
That doesn't necessarily include the guys team lifting for beach muscles.

The article/blog is probably written by a waifish man, who's wife has told him all that stuff to pump up his fragile ego.

[IronSlade]

Love the quote about the family eating a Red Robin. That could have easily been me and my family. I do that all the time, 2 burgers no bun with a salad before. Red Robin is pretty good too. Though I would not yet place my neck in the "tree-trunk" category, maybe he is just comparing to himself?

Originally Posted by ILIEKFUDE

I think the article is insulting. Why? It insinuates that men workout solely because they give a shit what "some women" care about it.
Do any of you really workout simply to look better for women? Thats kinda lame.
If you are really into something, bodybuilding for example, and yr chick doesnt dig it then you should probably find a new chick instead of trying to look like an abercrombie flamer for her benefit.

Awesome post right there bro. While my wife might rather I look like Muscle and Fitness than Flex, she will support me either way. (or so she says, I am not exactly there yet, so...)

Originally Posted by Hidngod

The article/blog is probably written by a waifish man, who's wife has told him all that stuff to pump up his fragile ego.

No doubt. She probably tells him his member is huge too, even though its likely as shriveled up as the rest of his estrogen loaded body.

[anabolic24/7]

My experiance with woman tells me there are plenty who do love muscle and abs along with all the other endearing qualitys mentioned. If your smart and have a good sense of humor being in shape can only be a bonus for them.
No guy is going to want some twit with no personality for a girlfriend, but given the choice between two great personalitys the scales will swing toward the one in the best shape.
I think Darwin already covered this.

[Hidngod]

Originally Posted by IronSlade

Awesome post right there bro. While my wife might rather I look like Muscle and Fitness than Flex, she will support me either way. (or so she says, I am not exactly there yet, so...)

As we all know, women really don't put that much emphasis on looks. So I think, although they might prefer Muscle & Fitness over Flex, I'm betting they prefer Flex over Rotund.

[Killer]

It also depends big time on what you are planning to do with the women or what she is planning on doing with you If she is looking for something serious and so forth your other qualities will come into play much more.

And they may say it does not matter all that much, but when they see you and they are with their husband who has a gut, thier eyes are telling a very different story.

Oh, and I too do not agree much with this article. And many UFC fighters look MUCH better than the two pictured. Reminds me of twisting stats in research to validate your study.

[Raina]

I can't imagine anything being much less motivating than working out to try to look good for other people. Maybe that would get you to the gym twice but would anyone really stick with the diet or the hard work if it wasn't because it's what they wanted for themselves?

[warmpain]

Originally Posted by anabolic24/7

If your smart and have a good sense of humor being in shape can only be a bonus for them.
N

Totally agree

[bigdamray]

Originally Posted by ILIEKFUDE

I think the article is insulting. Why? It insinuates that men workout solely because they give a shit what "some women" care about it.
Do any of you really workout simply to look better for women? Thats kinda lame.
If you are really into something, bodybuilding for example, and yr chick doesnt dig it then you should probably find a new chick instead of trying to look like an abercrombie flamer for her benefit.

Well said my friend!!

[Mr. Cooper]

I think the author has somewhat of a point. Some people go to the gym to get ripped to help them pick up chicks, and some go because they have low self esteem. I think the percentage that do that is much lower than the author is trying to imply.

Working out should be for your own benefit, and I think the vast majority here are doing just that. Some have different goals than others, but bettering yourself seems to be the standard on this board. I do agree, to a point, that if workouts are causing issues in other areas of your life, you may need to examine what you're doing. If employment, homelife, and even your own happiness are suffering, there may be a problem.

My goals are seemingly a lot different than many here. I'm working out mainly for health benefits, but if I build some muscle, which I have, all the better. I can say that my wife commenting on my arms, back, and shoulders hasn't hurt any.

[*Bunny*]

Originally Posted by ILIEKFUDE

If you are really into something, bodybuilding for example, and yr chick doesnt dig it then you should probably find a new chick

If it means you give up your passion to appease said chick, then I concur.

This article makes me smile b/c I know quite a few people it can apply to... that mindset.

I was surrounded by that every day, still am actually. Work, home, out with friends, at the gym, at every single gathering I will hear some form of it.

Interesting, but not unheard of response to this lifestyle or what it takes some people to achieve such a look.

The authors are very judgmental and make very blanket statements about someone they really do not know in this Red Robin example? LOL

They have him all figured out I'd say ...

I just was at a dinner party this weekend, and Ill just say I'd be a very wealthy woman if I had a penny for every time I heard someone say, "Oh my god you're eating? Is it your cheat day? Off meal? Are you still doing your show? Wow, I didnt know you ate anything but chicken... "
Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah

Then the conversations ... "Well they say everything in moderation... I cant do what you do (voice quiets and more of a whisper as if "I" am doing something horrible)... I wont make myself suffer... I enjoy food too much... I will not give up drinking"


Need I go on?

I sit through this without saying one word, just nodding a bit enjoying my meal and sip of my wine. Then I make sure they pass me the bread, olive oil, cheese and of course the brownies for dessert.

Confusion.

Sometimes saying nothing speaks much louder.

[trivial]

Sounds like it was written by someone who has blown one too many diets and is using this as a reason to not go on another. No matter how many words you use to validate your argument, you are still weak willed and that is the issue.

[WonderWoman]

Originally Posted by anabolic24/7

My experiance with woman tells me there are plenty who do love muscle and abs along with all the other endearing qualitys mentioned. If your smart and have a good sense of humor being in shape can only be a bonus for them.
No guy is going to want some twit with no personality for a girlfriend, but given the choice between two great personalitys the scales will swing toward the one in the best shape.
I think Darwin already covered this.

so true... and lol @ bunny's response. People are bonkers. Have a brownie will ya.

[trivial]

Oh and for the record, I like guys with muscle. I'd take a big guy with some extra over a super lean guy who's arms are smaller than mine in a heartbeat. I am not intimidated by big guys, or by strength....I LIKE to know a man can take care of me. I do not think I am the only girl like that.

[ILIEKFUDE]

Originally Posted by trivial

Oh and for the record, I like guys with muscle. I'd take a big guy with some extra over a super lean guy who's arms are smaller than mine in a heartbeat. I am not intimidated by big guys, or by strength....I LIKE to know a man can take care of me. I do not think I am the only girl like that.

Thats what i like to hear Triv! Of course yr not the only girl like that... In fact genetically i would *assume* that you are built with the correct mindset. Nothin wrong with being a mentally and physically strong woman and kicking ass in an "equality" sense but still retaining yr disposition to want a big strong man to cuddle up and feel safe with at the end of the day.
Look at spartan society, women were just as important as the men both in the political arena AND the warfare aspect of their society.
Strong women were also PRIZED for their capability to produce TOP NOTCH offspring.
In my opinion - any woman who looks for a weak looking man for breeding has a glitch in her genetic matrix. Obviously yr not helping yr kids out ya know? Call me nuts or shallow if you want (thats not the case) but i have made choices in my life with breeding in mind. My sweetheart is an angel AND she has great genetics. She's got the most beautiful - flawless - olive undertoned skin, great joints and muscle bellies (lol its true!) and a high level of geneticly gifted strength. Basically im with a woman who fills in all the holes in my psyche and body. Hopefully our kids take the best of what each of us have to offer. That kids gonna have one helluva fro tho.. we both have curly-ass hair haha.

	ASS Nelson Montana

[IronSlade]

If your ass hair is really that curly, you might consider shaving it. Most women find ass hair to be a turnoff.

	ASS Nelson Montana

[ILIEKFUDE]

lol.. i guess i set myself up for that one. oops.

[JG1]

I think the article is BS.

Now I'm far from huge, but I'm decent size...5'8" 223lbs pretty lean. I wear XXL shirts and the arms and back still grip me. Pants I wear size 32 and it's loose in the waist but the thigh and calve area grip a little as well.

I'm back in school (for nursing) and by far the majority of the people in my classes are female. I swear everytime I wear something, like a t-shirt that fits snug or pants that grip a little.....I get more sexualy charged comments about my body to the point it actualy gets uncomfortable. I always thought females (non-gym going ones) preferred the small ripped look until I got back into school.

[olivia o'lovely]

Originally Posted by ILIEKFUDE

Thats what i like to hear Triv! Of course yr not the only girl like that... In fact genetically i would *assume* that you are built with the correct mindset. Nothin wrong with being a mentally and physically strong woman and kicking ass in an "equality" sense but still retaining yr disposition to want a big strong man to cuddle up and feel safe with at the end of the day.
Look at spartan society, women were just as important as the men both in the political arena AND the warfare aspect of their society.
Strong women were also PRIZED for their capability to produce TOP NOTCH offspring.
In my opinion - any woman who looks for a weak looking man for breeding has a glitch in her genetic matrix. Obviously yr not helping yr kids out ya know? Call me nuts or shallow if you want (thats not the case) but i have made choices in my life with breeding in mind. My sweetheart is an angel AND she has great genetics. She's got the most beautiful - flawless - olive undertoned skin, great joints and muscle bellies (lol its true!) and a high level of geneticly gifted strength. Basically im with a woman who fills in all the holes in my psyche and body. Hopefully our kids take the best of what each of us have to offer. That kids gonna have one helluva fro tho.. we both have curly-ass hair haha.

How frikken lucky am i people?

	ASS Nelson Montana