In our society, a lot of attention has been paid to the pressure women constantly live under to achieve a fashion model figure. New research indicates that women are not the only sufferers of such stress. Men are also falling under the same body image pressures that concern women.
The ideal body type today for men has become more muscular and bulked up. The perfect man is seen with narrow waist, six-pack or washboard abs, muscular shoulders and bulging biceps. This attention has been good for gym memberships and manufacturers of bodybuilding machines. It has also been good for those of us who endure a generous waistline.
It has not been good for those who have dedicated themselves not only to develop muscles, but also obsess to obtain a perfect body, perhaps going on to unhealthy and dangerous behaviors including steroid and substance abuse.
Low self-esteem has been found to be a more likely cause of bulk building than the pursuit of health. The perceived reaction to the future perfect body drives that person to continuously work out, and the social isolation that results is a situation they are used to.
The problem starts with being dissatisfied with their body image, and they see bulking up as a means of social acceptance.
What they do not see is that people relate to them through their confidence and personality. What they do not see is there is no one ideal shape or size for all.
Getting in shape is a great goal. Exercise and diet are still the only healthy way to fitness.
The world is filled with people of all shapes and sizes. Relationships are built on compatibility between people. How much time would we spend with a person who had a perfect body and no personality?
While confidence is a major aspect of personality, and toning our body through normal exercise and diet may increase our self-confidence, getting to the point of a healthy body should be the goal.
Moderation is key. We should learn when to stop as well as when to start.
Live a vital life.
