On barbells and perception...
No, I don't have a weightlifting routine, even though maybe I should. I was reading that it's good to do aerobic exercise, but that promoting muscle mass is great. One thing, though: I have never felt good in the testosterone ridden environment of a gym. Everything is so loud and hard-edged and unfriendly. It looks to me like modern day instruments of torture clacking away.
I don't get the puffing and huffing. It's all very homoerotic and homophobic all at the same time. Maybe a little of PTSD from high school? Who the fuck knows. Bottom line is that I find the gym atmosphere kind of stifling and there's no amount of pheromones that are gonna make me like it. I may be tempted to add some barbells to my routine (I've seen some pretty affordable) but I kind of refuse to go to a gym and try the whole dudebro routine. Now, if you like it, more power to you. Some people feel that if they are paying for the membership, then they have to go and exercise. Call it extrinsic motivation.
Oh, I know you can see the most amazing bodies there but, what's the use? I would NOT look directly at any of those men. I don't want some dudebro to feel all threatened because I'm looking at his bubble butt or his bulge (not his biceps, though) and have him throw me against a wall (I like to be manhandled but there are limits). BTW, have you been to a gym? These men cannot peel themselves from the floor to ceiling mirrors (they're checking their form, they swear! Sure, Jan) and they prance and huff and puff for hours. And don't get me started with the 'spotting'. Oh, yes, I have been to a gym. That's why I'm telling you I don't like them. Do I like some of the results of weightlifting? You bet. Besides the health benefits, I think some men look very good with some muscle (just look at this video!). But it can get out of hand.
So I may add some weights to my routine. Eventually. Meanwhile, I'll keep doing some Tabata and some HIITs and some running to keep up with the years. This *boyish frame* is constantly threatened by ice cream, the occasional cake and.. age.
XOXO
Muscle mass is great as long as it's achieved naturally. And yes, I have been to a gym and might return. Muscle mass is also necessary in the aging process.
ReplyDeleteAnd by 'naturally' you mean no steroids? Good luck.
DeleteSome men achieve a nice physique thanks to genetics. The only think I read that would make me think about muscles is that they provide good support with age.
XOXO
When I first started getting more toned and added muscle when I stopped drag, I had to go to a gym because my friend who was helping me, was a trainer there. I hated it because of reasons you state. To much straight attitude bullshit. Funny part was, my friend said many of the same "straight" attitude jocks, who could be bullish also did gay stuff on the side. Color me shocked. eye roll.
ReplyDeleteBut he said if you do the right exercise regime for what you're going for, one doesn't need to go to the gym. He gave me a list of exercises to do at home, and I do have a set of hand dumb bells for some of it. I'm happy, and he got me the legs and ass I wanted! I also do a 4 mile walk daily if weather permits.
Oh, but knowing somebody at the gym helps!
DeleteIt's like a club. An insider eases you in and that makes things better. But the whole dudebro thing is such a turn off! And of course I can imagine the masc for masc sucking some cock on the side. Typical.
I think I'll do dumb bells, too. They're easily manageable. Just to add some resistance to a daily routine. And I also walk every day! Yay!
XOXO
IMHO, to have a toned and muscular body is much different from having bodybuilder's body. The first is beautiful, the second awful. It is absolutely necessary not to cross that border.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely.
DeleteAnd for some men, crossing that border is just one protein shake away. I like how Kit's body looks here. He's nicely filled out.
XOXO
Big says,
ReplyDeleteOh, my.... Maddie is right. One does not need to go to a gym to tone up, or even to build up mass which, as Xersex says, isn't the slightest bit attractive to most people. Grab those dumb bells, do some squats, do some push-ups, hang a bar and do pull-ups. Want abs? Do crunches. I got my legs and ass (both used to get noticed by women ***and men***) by dancing. Sadly, the ass is gone, but the legs still look good. I think. XOXO
I keep thinking the same.
DeleteI do not need to be beefed up (I am on the ectomorphic side) and it would take a grueling regime to get me there. I mainly want some tone and keep the aerobic part going. And dancing is such a great exercise!!!
XOXO
HuntleyBiGuy:
ReplyDeleteSome people have gym memberships for the classes they offer, or for swimming with the added benefit of the weights and other machines. However, I think the classes and swimming are add ons. I’ve done gyms in the past, but I didn’t have the dedication to make it worth the money.
XOXO 👨🏼❤️💋👨🏽
And that's the thing:
DeleteIf you do not go every day and actually use the facilities (besides the pool, for example) it's not worth it. And that requires commitment. I have been to gyms as a guest and the trainers kind of wander around but nobody seems to actually ask them any questions?
XOXO
The body I once had vs. the body I know have...well there is little to compare left. But at my age it would not matter to anyone else but me and that is important in any work out routine. How does it make me feel, is it worth the work and sometimes the pain?
ReplyDeleteI think I am thinking about later in life, too.
DeleteI read that it's better to have and keep some muscle mass because there's naturally some loss after fifty.
XOXO
Well having passed "after fifty" long ago...I do have faint memories of helping my muscle mass pack when it left me.
DeleteLMAOOO
DeleteHey, it's never too late to grab that thighmaster!!
XOXO
I dislike crowded gyms, so if I belong to one, I find a time when there are few present. The average gym goer is horrible. They don't wipe up after themselves. They are loud. They play music on their phones. They make noises. They sit on equipment way too long. And they are horribly territorial. I must admit, I am guilty of that last one. I simply don't want anyone near me. Solution. Work out at home. Get a weight set and a bench. It's not as great as a gym... but you can get the job quickly and easily without all the hassle of going to an actual gym. Motivation? That's on you. For me? If the equipment is there, I'm working out. It's become that much a part of my life. That said? For someone my age, I have to say, I look fit - which is better than 75% of the men my age. So, it pays big dividends. Also... it helps with depression and anxiety.
ReplyDeleteNot to mention working out bumps up the testosterone, which of course affects a libido!
DeleteAnd I recall seeing you on your blog. What I recollect was extremely nice to look at, the whole package... including all three legs!
Oh, goddess, yes!
DeleteIt's very crowded and very lonely. Everybody is super into themselves and it makes for a very weird experience. And you are right: the average gym goer is horrible, especially the men. They sweat all over the place and seldom clean up after themselves. And I'm thinking about staying fit and healthy. I don't want to be the one older gentleman who fell and broke his hip.
And yes! You are both right: exercise does have nice secondary effects.
XOXO
I have never had a weight routine. When I do go to a gym, I use the treadmill. That's about it. I don't like the huffing and puffing and the looks I get when I accidentally wander into the testosterone weight section. I am sure they can smell gay man, and like you, I don't want to get shoved or screamed at for accidentally letting my eyes wander where they shouldn't.
ReplyDeleteSame.
DeleteI find the environment kind of threatening and highly competitive. Not my thing. And I do not really know how to work the machines, especially when there's two or three dudes waiting for me to vacate it...
XOXO