| Guys always seem to have an unfair advantage for | | | | bikes, tread mills or stair climbers at the lowest |
| getting fitter faster than the fairer gender. This is not | | | | setting and never break a sweat or draw a deep |
| to say that the average guy trains harder than the | | | | breath. Working intensely, gets more results in less |
| average gal. No way. I have trained hundreds of both | | | | time and burns more fat during and after exercise. |
| genders to disprove that theory. Psychologically, the | | | | Huffing, puffing and sweating are good for you. |
| males progress quicker due to their habits and not so | | | | (Pardon me. I just got corrected. Horses sweat, men |
| much their work ethic or genetics. In particular, habits | | | | perspire and women glow.) Oxygen is free and your |
| regarding diet, exercise and self-image. | | | | body enjoys it |
| Diet - Offer most guys a choice of what to eat and | | | | Self-image - If girls have not noticed, most guys, |
| they will scarf down hamburgers, chicken wings or | | | | including yours truly are not perfectionists. Most guys |
| steak before even looking at a doughnut, pastry, | | | | can skip a workout or have a slice of cheese cake |
| cake or chocolate. While some ladies are fretting | | | | without hating themselves. It is not the end of the |
| over amounts of fat, sugar and calories, the males | | | | world if they do only 29 push ups instead of their |
| have no guilt with eating high protein dishes. (Pass | | | | usual 40 or 50. It is no big deal. They still think that |
| the chicken wings!) Protein is good for you. It builds | | | | they are the coolest dudes on the block, just for |
| muscles, nerves and tissue and helps remove excess | | | | showing up. Many perfectionist gals, however, feel |
| water. Eat at least 50 milligrams a day. One gram per | | | | like total failures if they do not train every day and |
| day per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight for | | | | then some. Or shed that 1.25 pounds by next week. |
| active people. At least 2 grams per kilogram minimum | | | | The trick is to be consistent with eating and training, |
| for strength athletes and body builders. 1.2 to 1.8 | | | | but allow the occasional lapse. (Even Tiger Woods |
| grams per kilogram for endurance athletes. | | | | has an off day.) Eat good healthy meals. Then have |
| Exercise - Guys have no hang ups over hoisting | | | | the occasional snack. As for training, get good |
| heavier weights or sweating. Someone seems to | | | | instruction, warm up, work up to a good high |
| have spread a rumor that heavier, intense workouts | | | | intensity for even a few minutes, then cool down. |
| will give you big muscles. Pound for pound women | | | | Above all, enjoy your exercise. If you don't like |
| tend to be stronger than men. They just do not | | | | weights, rowing machines or running, do something |
| have the hormones to develop big muscles. A buddy | | | | else. Latin dancing, swimming, yoga, Pilates, martial |
| of mine has two fit, beautiful daughters who both | | | | arts, etc. There is too much out there not to get |
| play rugby and rock climb. (One of them once tackled | | | | bored or discouraged. (If you want a laugh, watch |
| a thief at a video store.) They are not any where | | | | me try ballroom dancing.) Think progress not |
| near "muscle bound." | | | | perfection. Now excuse me while I go work out |
| As for sweat, it is healthy, natural and good for your | | | | before my steak dinner. |
| skin to release toxins. Many people use exercise | | | | |