written by john c ashworth, ma, ces

I don't work with as many men as I do women as a fitness coach and personal trainer.

Why is that?

Well, being careful not to generalize or generate stereotypes about gender, I think there exists at least one very good reason for this, and it's something we already know...

Women, in general, tend to take better care of themselves, or at least more actively engage in taking better care of themselves a little more effectively than men.  Now, I realize that there are going to be many exceptions to this rule, but I can tell you from personal experience as a fitness coach, that this tends to be true for most of the clients I've worked with over the last 18 years.

That aside, and in consideration of today's focus on MEN, it is important that we lay out some very good reasons for men to become equally concerned about their overall health.  In fact, we know that men don't live as long as women on average. So it really shouldn't take that much convincing.  We also know from a previous segment that Leigh and I did in May of last year, that men over 45 experience a more rapid decline in their fitness level than women do.

ALL of the men I've worked with would agree on 1 very important benefit of their work with me - increased energy, vitality, and productivity.  OK, yes...that's actually 3 reasons, but you know how us men are, we often need a little more convincing when it comes to taking better care of our overall health.

Here's a short list of Benefits Designed to Motivate Men to Get & Stay Fit as They Age

I think especially for men, maintaining a healthy and fit physique is an important part of maintaining our confidence, and out masculinity.  I mean let's face it, when you can't move as well as you used, that can really you feel old.  In addition, the image of you with a beer in your hand and resting on your 45 inch waist while reclined during the packer game (maybe even snoring) is a lot less attractive to your significant other (and the world in general).  When you're fit, healthy, leaner, and able to move more effectively and efficiently, you not only look and feel younger, but you perform better too - intimately, and in ALL other areas of your life.

The second big benefit for men is the access to the increased levels of energy, vitality, and productivity that I mentioned earlier. There is direct proportional relationship between your level of fitness and the level to which these benefits arise.  Men often have a difficult time balancing the demands of their careers with that of family and personal life.  Having gained more energy and productivity helps create more space in your life.  Remember, there is NEVER enough time until you create the SPACE you need in your life.  Though it might seem on the surface like 1-2 hours out of your day dedicated to training, planning and preparing meals, etc might be frivolous, I guarantee you will gain far more than that amount of time in reclaiming otherwise unproductive time spent feeling tired, run down, and overwhelmed by life and work.

Men also need to understand that their risk for osteoporosis is equal to that of women and beginning at the age of 35 you're losing 1% of your bone and muscle every year.  If you're not doing strength training in the gym with heavy weight to counteract that loss, it won't be long before you begin to experience the physical ailments that come with these changes.  Strength training is vital for healthy aging.  Two days a week will do the job, but you absolutely HAVE to do it!

Another big benefit for men as they age is a solid plan for improving their flexibility.  As men, we start out a lot more inflexible than women, and aging just makes this worse.  Strength training will go a long way toward helping you improve your flexibility.  Equally important are the relaxation benefits that come, not only with regular exercise, but with some kind of regular stretching, yoga, and deep relaxation practice as part of your overall fitness plan.  Why are so many yoga classes filled with only women?  That's probably a topic for another post, but hopefully you're hearing my point.  Men need that training too, and will be surprised at how far a 10 minute per day practice will take you.

As men, we often get caught up in life in our role as provider.  I think it's just in our genes, and then it gets reinforced in society.  The problem arises when we completely ignore our health and fitness because were so damn busy providing, building, and envisioning the future. Yes, this is important, but if you want to age like a champion, you MUST make time to take care of they physical aspect of your being.

Everything in your life builds outward from your physical prowess.  Especially for men I believe this to be true.  Think about it the next time you're in the presence of someone who is truly fit, healthy and in control of that part of their life.  Maybe you can even think about someone you've been in the presence of recently who held these traits.  They're powerful, life-affirming, and attractive in more ways than we can often define.

Here's a quick video story of one guy, Dr. Jay Hazen, DDS that completely turned his life around.  Listen closely...these are the secrets...:)