Month: February 2019

Why Don’t Men Ask For Directions?

/ Mark A Nutting / Leave a comment

I know that the idea of men not asking for directions is a stereotypical, but, there is an underlying issue that makes this true for many. That is ego. Many men don’t like admitting that they don’t know something, don’t know how to do something, need help with something, are wrong about something, and/or are not as good with something as they thought they were. Somewhere along the line we were socialized into believing  these scenarios are somehow a threat to our egos.

directions

Don’t get me wrong. Having a healthy ego (or good self-esteem) is great! But, when that ego is easily damaged, walls are put up that usually create more problems.

When it comes to working out and taking care of our health (you knew I’d get around to this, didn’t you?), the ego can take a beating from a lot of things, like not knowing how to use a piece of gym equipment, not looking like other gym members, not using as much weight as the guy (or woman) next to you, or not getting the results you think you should be getting. There are a lot of reasons why this may be the case and none of them should damage your ego.

  • Not knowing how to use a piece of gym equipment: You are new to the gym and they have some equipment that you don’t know how to use. Ask a trainer for help.
  • Not looking like other gym members: You are not the average member. Many clubs vary in demographics, younger/older, more women/more men, more hard-core/more laid back, etc. Either look for a club more in line with you or just keep on going and not worry about it.
  • Not using as much weight as the guy (or woman) next to you: They’ve probably been at it longer. Maybe you got injured or have been away from the weights for a while, and you should be going lighter with a more gentle approach. Maybe you just haven’t been training appropriately or eating properly to support strength gains. Talk to a trainer and/or a registered dietician.
  • Not getting the results you think you should be getting: Definitely talk to a personal trainer and/or a registered dietician. Something is going on that you don’t understand. Find someone who does.

The ego thing is a little like failing at some task or venture that you take on. Many see failure as, well, failure. The insightful ones, however, see it as a chance to learn, to grow. Don’t let your fear of a damaged ego stop you from progressing. If you are not where you want to be, ask for help… ask for directions.

A New Option: Online Training

/ Mark A Nutting / Leave a comment

One of the newer entries into the fitness realm, is online training. In a nutshell, this is working with a personal trainer remotely using various online tools/apps, which allows for some very unique benefits.

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Mark Nutting, being video recorded while demonstrating a bench push up for an online client.

The benefits of working with a personal trainer online include:

  • Working out when you want (It’s your schedule. Fit the workouts in when you choose)
  • Working out where you want (your home, office, or at the beach)
  • Being able to work with high quality trainers no matter where you live.
  • No special equipment required. Most online trainers will work with whatever equipment you have access to, or, just using bodyweight
  • Able to work out in the privacy of your own space (No need to feel intimidated at the gym)
  • You have someone to keep you accountable
  • You have someone in your corner cheering you on without judgement
  • The cost is less than using a personal trainer in a face-to-face session

Of course, there are challenges as well:

  • If you are not using video tools (such as Skype), where your trainer can watch your every movement, you won’t be getting the same kind of attention as you would in-person training.
  • You need to make sure your trainer is reputable. You can’t simply watch work them with others as you could at a health club. Check out their credentials.
  • You have to be pretty self-motivated and get your “homework” done. The best program in the world won’t help if you don’t do the work.
  • Make sure there is a refund policy.

So, as you think about getting started in a fitness program, or if you’re moving away the accessibility of in-person trainers, or if you just want the convenience, an online personal training may be for you. It’s one more way to get healthier and more fit.

Note: Because online training is another great way to help others change their lives for the better, Men’s Fitness After 50 is now offering an online training program. For details, click here: Men’s Fitness After 50 online training program