The Spectrum

Issue date: 9/28/06 Section: He Said/She Said

Weight has always been an issue for both men and women in American society. Ever since the inception of the television body image has been at the center of our world. Women have to deal with models that have perfect hour glass shaped bodies, and guys have to deal with weight lifting machines that have a 3% body fat and still weigh 225lbs.

The health and wellness revolution, which has led to a rise in stores like GNC and Vitamin Shoppe, have only increased our desire to be fit and thin. This uprising has peaked with weight lifters who go to the ultimate extreme of using steroids, HGH and Test, to enhance their bodies. The issue which has arisen in society today isn't one of staying healthy and fit it's one of taking it to the extreme. Many people have driven themselves past healthy to create a stereotyped body image.

Going to the gym is a great hobby as it can serve many purposes. First, it can obviously be a health benefit, helping to prevent heart disease and more. Second, it will be something to focus on outside of work and school. Lastly, you will always feel better about yourself, have more energy and sleep better at night once you have established a regular healthy work out regiment.

There are both guys and girls who will go on crash diets and work out excessively to get the desired results. Often, this becomes an obsession and it goes far beyond being healthy. It is extremely important to monitor your time at the gym and the calories you take in to ensure that you do not take your exercise to an unhealthy level. There is nothing more attractive to the opposite sex than a lean, muscular body, which has the proper nutrition and upkeep.

The fact that many men feel the need to be big and muscle bound along with women, who want to be increasingly thin, can be a turn off to the opposite sex. I am a fan of being fit and healthy and the majority of guys do not want an ultra thin girl. Go to the gym, work out, be healthy but there is no need for anyone to take it to the extreme of where it puts your health in danger.

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