The Costly Pursuit of Muscle

What is it that drives so many into the pursuit of physique ideals?

You’ve been there — walking on the street as someone catches your eye. Maybe it’s their style, but you notice something so dynamic about the way that physique glides through the air. Your body rewards you with a certain feeling inside, and you consider whether or not you stack up to that person.

No matter what, some people of particular sizes and shapes will consistently attract more attention and status.

The ideal male body image: Symmetrical and athletic, with legs sculpted by Michelangelo.

A piece of art

A piece of art

Let’s face it, Most guys would prefer to have a toned physique — not too much muscle — just with the right proportions. So WHY aren’t most guys Fit like David?

Increased muscle is an evolutionary signal for good genetics, resourcefulness, and high Testosterone levels.

For men, the really attractive traits are the most costly to develop. But the attainment of muscle is much different than Gucci clothes and a legit Rolex.

Muscle is costly from a resource, genetic and metabolic perspective:

  • The ultimate limit of muscle is largely determined by good Genetics.
  • Heavy body weight, comprised mostly of lean muscle, requires significantly greater calories and nutrients Every Single Day.
  • Spending time in the gym relates to opportunity costs.
  • MOVING HEAVY WEIGHTS HAS POTENTIAL FOR SERIOUS INJURY

Yet, every day I see a new kid in the weight room. He’s well intentioned, but for the most part clueless about how much effort it takes to gain 20 pounds of muscle.

Does the media create unrealistic expectations of men?

Probably. But lets get one thing clear: Muscle is possible for nearly every healthy guy — the ONLY people who fail to gain muscle are those who stop trying.

Muscle is costly, and therefore it is valuable. Increased status and attractiveness also benefit muscular guys through career, personal life, and overall wellbeing. Becoming fit is an investment that increases your ultimate winnings.

Why people seek muscle:

  • Improved athletic performance for sport
  • Some professions require a larger build
  • Confidence booster
  • Feeling comfortable in own body
  • Status boost in interpersonal communication
  • Because it’s manly

Type of people that actually reach their ideal physique:

  1. Are you able to push past your comfort zone to find more efficient ways to reach goals?
  2. Do you take an interest in researching healthy nutrition & lifestyle habits?
  3. Have you dropped expectations of transforming your body overnight?
  4. Eating healthy 90% of the time — is this possible for you?
  5. Will you continue reading this Blog?

If you answered yes to all of the above questions, you are well on your way to developing a respectable physique.

Blog & Personality

World Instructor Training Schools W.I.T.S. for Experience

Fitness has been my passion for half a decade, inspiring mind-body connection for personal growth and strength from within.

Experience by W.I.T.S.

Experience by W.I.T.S.

I recently began classes for the only certification program of its kind based out of local colleges and involving practical experience from a comprehensive internship. My instructor, Eric, offers over 16 years of fitness industry experience and I find his natural health values inspiring. I already see myself referring people to him in the future for his creative ways of inspiring fitness through dance.

All green trainers need a legitimate certification to really advance as a Personal Trainer.

Some certifications only require a mere study guide and a $400 multiple choice exam. How well will that prepare someone to trust your life in their hands?

I do believe book knowledge is important, but I know that the value of the individual is based on experience and skills as well. Thats why I will learn, hands-on, in the WITS certification program through Seattle Central Community College.

The value of W.I.T.S. is revealed by bringing together individuals from the community for common, yet creatively unique approaches.

Once I complete this course, I will have grown my knowledge and experience in exercise physiology and kinesiology, fitness assessment, and ability to customize individual programs through safe demonstrations of form by understanding flexibility and AHA cardiovascular recommendations.

Even though my Saturday’s are currently packed with 12 hours of work, business, and education, my passion continues to light the way. Oh yea, and all natural oatmeal gives me lots of energy too.

I manifest ability to learn and communicate as well as passion for fitness into the dream that I thrive to live.

By age 25, I will have helped Americans BURN OVER A THOUSAND POUNDS of FAT, while opening opportunities for quality of life that they never knew existed.

Stay tuned for more…

Blog & Personality

Your Fitness Questions? ANSWERED!

To benefit Fitness and Health, I would like to climb everest for you!

In action, its all you, but in spirit -- its everyone.

In action, it's all you, but in spirit -- it's everyone.

That, of course, is a metaphor for the fact that I care deeply about offering many truths. Now notice how it is you who are your own fitness guru and through experience, only you know what really works.

Be an active part of our own health, by contributing to yourself as I respond in kind.

Submit questions, comments, and feedback

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EllisonFitness@gmail.com

From Reader: “Hey André, whats the difference between Vitamin Water and other energy drinks, which ones are Healthiest?”

Stay tuned for more…

Blog & Personality