Why is America so obsessed with being "buff"?

[IronDragon1]

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To any OOT gym-rats....

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You rang?

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why do you do this?

[/ QUOTE ] It makes me feel good. There's the physiological aspect of endorphin release through exercise and also there's the fact that in today's society you're more likely to attract whom you want to attract if you have a better physique.


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Is it like the social pressure that women have with being thin?

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Only in certain-very shallow social circles-within which almost none of us associate with does anything like this exist. That is not to say that some-including myself-do not feel external pressure to look good but no, I don't believe that not being a big dude is as much of a detriment to attracting a mate as not being thin is for females.

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Do you guys get more chicks this way?

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Yes-if only due to increased confidence associated with being bigger.
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Does it just becomes routine and you have to do it?

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I wouldn't be doing it if it didn't make me look better.

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P.S. I live in NJ and suspect this phenomenon might be particularly bad due to proximity to the Jersey shore.

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LOL @ guidos

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Are other parts of the country also like this?

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I would assume that there's similar pressures in places like Southern California and South Florida.

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[Blarg]

I dunno if you can become much more intelligent, but many if not most of us could become dramatically healthier and better looking.

[snagglepuss]

yeah, i didn't really mean 'intelligent', more like informed/worldly/educated and whatnot.

[EricW]

God, this thread sucks so hard.

The hardcore bodybuilding culture is filled with douchebags howevever, the douchebaggery level from OP's initial and subsequent posts matches those of the hard bodybuilders but in a different way.

Your "observations" are hilarious. You're referring to college aged guys when you're talking about seeing "jacked guys everywhere" right? I go to a very large university with over 40k people and I've seen all the very jacked guys in the gym. There's maybe 10 of them if that. Furthemore, there's only about 50 or less guys who look good really good but not "overly jacked." That is the case with most other universities and the ratio is even worse in the general public because college aged people are younger. Yep, "jacked guys everywhere" indeed.

Your condescending attitude is truly pathetic. You compare working out to fads such as popping collars, dressing emo etc. Exactly how do these compare? When one lifts weights seriously, that person becomes healthier, looks better to the opposite sex and has better functional strength for everday attivities.

You also scoff at those who have to update their wardrobe because their body composition has changed. Perhaps you should scoff at others who have made achievements in other aspects of their life as well because it would be equally absurd.

OP, just because you don't believe in physical activity and physical improvement doesn't mean you have to look down at those who do.

[Assani Fisher]

totally disagree. As a whole, our society has gotten more adn more unhealthy over the years.

[Blarg]

My parents used to tell me to get the heck out of the house, like every kid's parents used to. These days, parents put a t.v. and computer in your room and feed you fast food.

[EricW]

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totally disagree. As a whole, our society has gotten more adn more unhealthy over the years.

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Were you talking to me?? [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[ImsaKidd]

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I want to look good naked!

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You and the other 5 too?

[Charmer]

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because it is easier than becoming more intelligent and informed.

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Untrue.

I lift regularly in addition to more scholarly hobbies, and it is much, much harder to go for a jog and to the gym for a few hours than to sit in my chair and do a little reading or ponder the nature of the universe.

Thats not, however, to say that both are not enjoyable. I work out for a lot of reasons... obviously appearance, general athleticism, self esteem; but more than anything, its part of being a complete person. I mean, seriously, why not be cultured, intelligent, personable, AND ripped? (all of which are more works in progress than accomplished, btw)

[epdaws]

I have not read all replies, but dude:

1) Have you seen America? You could easily argue that we are obsessed with being fat.

2) Celebrities are obsessed with being wraith-like and 2-dimensional.

3) Anyone else with much common sense is interested in staying fit, but when you get past 25 or so, being buff isnt' exactly an option.