Why women should read men’s fitness magazines…

Around 6 months ago, I found myself waiting at the hairdresser’s, this is not unusual but what was slightly unusual is the fact I’d found myself deeply engrossed in a men’s fitness magazine.

A few day’s later, I was then surfing the internet looking for a new workout plan, recently I’ve found myself making limited progress, my routine needed shaking up. Within 20 minutes I had printed out my workout and a basic eating guide, within a week I’d lost 4lbs and was already feeling stronger.

What I found most interesting about this, is the fact I was engaged by a men’s magazine and losing weight whilst vaguely following a plan for men on a sustainable 2,000 calories a day.

I’d like to think that from a female point of view, we should all know by now that 1,200 calories a day is not sustainable or sensible and it won’t help us build ‘lean curves‘. We know that weight lifting won’t make us bulky and we know that we should run because we enjoy the freedom it gives us, not for weight management.

I also think we should consider that perhaps training like a fella could make us look for like a fox.

I quickly grabbed a couple of female fitness magazines and noted down the following articles…

Is fitness ageing you?

Get her abs in 8 moves

Torch fat for good

Sex moves to match his manhood

Boost your brain with shopping

Then, I skimmed over some men’s fitness magazines

Strong and lean

Strength and power

More energy instantly

Double your endurance

31 Money Tips rich guys know

Okay, I’ll admit that I’m picking out key articles on purpose and won’t deny that both versions include, to an extent similar content about sex, life and food etc. What I did notice is that Men’s magazines don’t focus on having a bikini body; I can’t help but feeling that idolising how you’ll look on your one week holiday in the sun is a complete waste of energy.

I want to turn that around, think about how good you could feel in your skin on a day to day basis? Surely the longer term option is more sensible?

I’m not afraid or ashamed to admit that social media has a huge effect on how I view my body and I’ll be the first to admit I wish it didn’t. There was a day (last year) when I stepped on the scale, only to realise I’d gained 8lbs and felt all the familiar feelings of frustration and disappointment. The following day I took a deep breath and posted an Instagram shot of me in short shorts and a crop top. No one single person commented negatively, my partner told me I looked great and healthy, he questioned why I would want to change that.

Men’s magazines don’t appear to focus on being ‘so hot, your body brings all the girls to the yard’. They focus on being stronger, faster and they appear to encourage eating real wholesome food – I can get behind that!

If you’ve ever felt inclined to book a running/cycling race, have you ever felt inclined to follow a male/female training plan? I can’t say I have. Of course, at higher levels there is genetically a pace difference, however, I follow a fair few women who are placing very well in mixed events.

I don’t wish to come across as if I’m taking a man vs women stance, I couldn’t be further from that. But what I am trying to say, is maybe every once in a while we should pick up a men’s fitness magazine or read a blog written by a man. You might come away feeling inspired, amused and encouraged, without an ounce of comparison.

What are your views on this?

Katie

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