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Fighting sarcopenia actually requires the same regimen--a systematic plan of serious weight training and significant diet changes (compared to the "standard American diet")--as natural body building...because the person is actually doing the same thing. And an older person fighting sarcopenia will look different from a person who has given in to it.
I don’t think this addressed my point. You simply picked a certain condition in which weight training is more beneficial to the alternative which is not weight training. I never argued that such a condition doesn’t exist.
I don’t think this addressed my point. You simply picked a certain condition in which weight training is more beneficial to the alternative which is not weight training. I never argued that such a condition doesn’t exist.
You explicitly asked me about how weight training could extend a person's life.
Every planet fitness and ymca in my area is a sea of vehicles and I’m not directly in a large city. At 5 yesterday I would estimate 250+ cars at my local YMCA….the walk to get to the building is a mini workout.
I don't understand. How does the number of vehicles at your YMCA relate to your topic? Your topic is body dysmorphia or other personality disorders (narcissism, or narc. tendencies) in body builders or gym patrons.
I think some -- or a lot of -- runners are actually addicted to the high.
I think people like a lot of gym activities for this reason. You can focus on the task at hand and NOT something else like work. I actually enjoy exercising and listening to a podcast or audiobook. I also do pottery, but from purely a cost perspective, pottery is expensive. It’s also a place where you can see your progress- be it being able to lift heavier, do more reps, or go faster or with more resistance on a machine.
It’s also a place where you can see your progress- be it being able to lift heavier, do more reps, or go faster or with more resistance on a machine.
I did a "free trial week" at a couple of gyms and was struck by how it could be almost an adult day care for retirees. You can shower and change and be there first thing in the morning, just like a job, then work hard all day in classes and on machines, socialize with others, and leave tired but satisfied at the end of the day.
All you wouldn't be getting is a paycheck, but if you have Silver Sneakers, at least your membership is free!
I went years ago to lose weight and to be in better shape before I entered the dating world. I felt great about myself as a result and more confident. In the months following these gains, I met my spouse.
Some people go to the gym for the community. CrossFit, for instance, is very communal, much like a church.
Some people go to burn stress after work.
Some people go for the achievement in their gains (weight loss, muscle growth).
Some people go because they are passionate about body building.
There is nothing inherently wrong in finding a healthy outlet in your life.
Just thought this would be an interesting discussion. It’s a topic I don’t see discussed much and I know it can offend many of those who are passionate of their “fitness”.
When you think about it, how much strength and endurance does the average person need to be considered healthy?
What about when people start revolving a large part of their life around honing in that “better” physique? To the point of making massive changes to their diets, being on a very regimented gym routine, taking supplements, sometimes steroids, worrying about protein, getting the perfect body fat percentage, tracking every bite of food, watching videos/reading about how to workout better etc.
Is there some sort of body dysmorphia or narcissism that is the basis for much of the fitness world we see today?
when I was 17-25 I wanted to look good for the ladies and I thought the gym would be good...and it was.
in my 30's I think it was habit and I liked reaching new strength goals
In my 40's until my current age 54, I gave up and thought the gym was a big waste of time/energy
Soon I'll be going back to the gym with my younger son to improve my health, and because I want to get him off the couch and into some habits involving movement. So I think it is a good twofer.
Personally, I loathe the thought of going to the gym but after I stopped working my ultra-physical job, I don't move around as much, and I think I'm deteriorating a bit.
To your question, YES I think for some people it is an unhealthy obsession.... but as far as unhealthy obsessions go, it is less harmful than many others. The time it takes to drive/workout/drive/shower can be a big block out of a person's day. Maybe for some people it is a way to meet a future husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend.
Just thought this would be an interesting discussion. It’s a topic I don’t see discussed much and I know it can offend many of those who are passionate of their “fitness”.
When you think about it, how much strength and endurance does the average person need to be considered healthy?
What about when people start revolving a large part of their life around honing in that “better” physique? To the point of making massive changes to their diets, being on a very regimented gym routine, taking supplements, sometimes steroids, worrying about protein, getting the perfect body fat percentage, tracking every bite of food, watching videos/reading about how to workout better etc.
Is there some sort of body dysmorphia or narcissism that is the basis for much of the fitness world we see today?
I think when combined with a very specific, restrictive diet, it can be, for men in particular. My ex used to run a lot of 50- and 100-mile races, to the point where a typical weekend for him, if he wasn't racing, was to run about 30 miles each day, and about 10 during work days with one or two rest days. Add that to his food rules - we had to eat an extreme low-fat diet. (He ended up having a non-fatal heart attack at age 64, anyway, with a cholesterol level of 120, but there was another health issue contributing to that).
I would venture to say that a lot of this behavior, whether it be excessive exercising with or without rigid diet rules, is also rooted in an unhealthy need for control.
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