Where did this obsession with "getting big" come from? When exactly did the masses decide that fitness should be measured by appearance rather than performance
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Re: The take of 'one of those guys'...shoresoftripoliJanuary 24 2010, 15:24:26 UTC
I may have overstated my case on this one (I do that often, don't I?) I don't think it's wrong to want the looks with the functionality. The fact is, if you work hard at getting functional fitness, you're going to improve your appearance as a side-effect. What I can't understand is the people who want the look without the functionality. I don't agree with making appearance the priority over ability.
I was 6'2" by freshman year, and I've been taller than my peers for most of my life, so I won't pretend to understand the feelings of someone who has experienced the opposite. I never had a real desire to pursue fitness until recently, when the outdoors became a part of my life and I realized that being fit could keep me alive in the mountains. Even my time in the Marines has been spent (mostly) doing the bare minimum for fitness.
I'd make the argument that the impression of "DAMN, I wouldn't want to mess with him" is as much a function of how you carry yourself as it is your physical appearance. However, it's a sentiment that I can understand. My two cents, if you're interested: a ripped appearance is more than 50% diet. Eating right will go a long way to revealing the muscles you already have. Check out the Zone Diet for more on that. I'd also argue that having the fitness to go along with the appearance would be beneficial, because there's always the chance of running into the guy who is bigger than you and isn't scared of the appearance. From that perspective, you might consider looking into a Brazilian Jui Jitsu or MMA gym in your hometown. They'll emphasize functional fitness (which will give you the look you want, if you're willing to work for it), while teaching you the skills you'll need to back up the image.
I appreciate the fact that you took the time to write a well-thought out response to this entry, but then I wouldn't expect anything less from you. It's one of the things I like about you. I hope this doesn't come across as "preachy" or anything like that. Rather, I feel that since you took the time to write a sincere response, I'd be insulting you if I didn't do the same.
I was 6'2" by freshman year, and I've been taller than my peers for most of my life, so I won't pretend to understand the feelings of someone who has experienced the opposite. I never had a real desire to pursue fitness until recently, when the outdoors became a part of my life and I realized that being fit could keep me alive in the mountains. Even my time in the Marines has been spent (mostly) doing the bare minimum for fitness.
I'd make the argument that the impression of "DAMN, I wouldn't want to mess with him" is as much a function of how you carry yourself as it is your physical appearance. However, it's a sentiment that I can understand. My two cents, if you're interested: a ripped appearance is more than 50% diet. Eating right will go a long way to revealing the muscles you already have. Check out the Zone Diet for more on that. I'd also argue that having the fitness to go along with the appearance would be beneficial, because there's always the chance of running into the guy who is bigger than you and isn't scared of the appearance. From that perspective, you might consider looking into a Brazilian Jui Jitsu or MMA gym in your hometown. They'll emphasize functional fitness (which will give you the look you want, if you're willing to work for it), while teaching you the skills you'll need to back up the image.
I appreciate the fact that you took the time to write a well-thought out response to this entry, but then I wouldn't expect anything less from you. It's one of the things I like about you. I hope this doesn't come across as "preachy" or anything like that. Rather, I feel that since you took the time to write a sincere response, I'd be insulting you if I didn't do the same.
Hope all is well with you guys up there!
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