Comments on: Getting Fit With Style – Don't Dress Like a Gym Rat!

By: Christopher

Christopher — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 08:27:51 +0000

You say that you come in peace, and yet at the same time, insist that spandex should be outlawed. What if I were to say that sunglasses, for instance, should be outlawed, if, hypothetically speaking, I found sunglasses distasteful? I am sure that you would take offense if you enjoyed wearing sunglasses. I live in Malaysia where the whether in incredibly hot. Constant summer all year round, so you'll usually find me sporting tank tops and short shorts. I am not a bodybuilder, mind you. No offense towards bodybuilders, but I have no interest in attaining the bodybuilding physique. I'm not saying it's a repulsive physique, but your goals are yours, and my goals are mine. But I still work hard in the gym on cardio and heavy weights, and have a fairly lean and toned body to show for it. Different women have different tastes, and just because some women find tank tops and low-cut tee shirts distasteful on men, others DO find them attractive to look at. Also, some women like their men a little on the chubby side and vice versa; if you don't believe me, just head over to Tonga and see for yourself! Just like some men prefer curly-haired women, some prefer blondes, and others brunettes. Some men like women natural (no make up), while some like them with make up. Also, I think many women would have taken offense on your post on skinny women. While I am sure that your intentions were well, you did not seem to consider how an overweight woman would feel if she read your post. It is true that we should all strive for perfection in all aspects of life, but just because a woman doesn't have a fitness model/actress/singer/catwalk body certainly does not mean she is unattractive or even unhealthy. I think that people these days have been indoctrinated into hating their bodies, just because they aren't as slim as society deems "sexy". Sometimes, the fitness body may just not be in the individual's genetic cards; I'm mesomorphic, so I put on muscle easily and burn fat equally easily, but endos and ectos would not have the luxury of good genes, unfortunately. Also, how do you know how a stripper dresses? Some of them dress modestly outside the strip club. Even so, the manner in which one dresses does not dictate what kind of person they are.

By: Matt Anderson

Matt Anderson — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 22:15:04 +0000

Genius my butt! Who in the hell cares how you dress. Stereotyping like that just fuels the already existing arrogance and intolerance that many people, like yourself, possess. I'm an avid powerlifter, and that is something I love to do and will continue to do until the day I leave this world. I'm a big (or "bulky" as you phrase it), strong, and muscular guy (6'1, 270 pounds) and I can still look good when I have my dress clothes tailored, in order to look professional, for my sales job. Yeah, I wear big and baggy clothes because I'm a big guy, and they are straight up comfortable! I don't give a damn what other people think, and no one has ever criticized my so called lack of fasion sense. Your column is quite vain and highly judgemental. Terrible article!

By: Wayland

Wayland — Wed, 19 May 2010 04:10:37 +0000

" A slim and fit female looks great in a cocktail dress…a female bodybuilder in a cocktail dress looks like…'a female bodybuilder in a cocktail dress' " That right there, sir, is genius.

By: Joseph Michael

Joseph Michael — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:31:49 +0000

I really love this site…As someone who really has to work to stay in shape (genetic predispostion to diabetes and obesity) this is invaluable. I put on mass very easily, I'm 5'9" and about 165-175
though my dad was my height and was 40-60 lbs heavier..

Great site…..great pics too!

and off topic….check out my music/imagery

That's Starla and I in the main photo…

http://www.myspace.com/midnightreignneverlookback

By: Hassan

Hassan — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:22:47 +0000

ok so only treadmill running then…got it…i wil do that…thanks

By: admin

admin — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 18:46:25 +0000

Hassan,

Exercise bikes are great, but not for people who want to slim down muscular legs. Stick with running at various intensities…and you will be fine. Distance running will slim down your legs quicker than HIIT, but HIIT is great for training for your sport and is good for burning body fat…I would recommend a bit of both.

Rusty

By: Hassan

Hassan — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:31:10 +0000

ok i will do thst, what about the intensity of the run though? HIIT or just moderate paced, because my legs contain mor muscle den fat because of all the soccer i play, because im a short guy, i just want to slim my legs down a bit so that my body looks all proportioned, so just need to know what level to exercise at, wouldnt an exercise bike help?

By: admin

admin — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 01:48:59 +0000

The Spaniard,

Good point about pleated pants..some people look decent in them. I guess I'm just more a flat front guy (personal preference).

I'm not a big fan of flip flops either. Maybe just when walking down to the beach or swimming pool. I know a lot of the younger folk wear them with jeans and have the whole Abercrombie or Hollister vibe going…I don't think it is a terrible look, but I wouldn't be able to pull it off (I don't own a pair of flip flops). Wearing flip flops at night or in the city…not a great look (unless a pool or beach is nearby).

katie,

You are right…if you give yourself 4-6 months to prepare for spring or summer you will look amazing. If you wait until 30-60 days out, like most people…you will most likely be dissapointed. I'll see what I can do!

Hassan,

Yavor gave you the exact advice I was going to give you (great minds thing alike…thanks Yavor).

Hannah,

College students typically don't have spare cash or time to spend on fashionable clothes. I had a pretty limited wardrobe when I was in college as well.

jos,

If I did a post on flexibility I would be the biggest hypocrite ever! I am not very flexible at all and never have been. I'll have to get someone to a guest post on the subject

Iris,

It sonds like you dress perfectly for the occassion. I give you a lot of credit for going to spinning class. I have done it around 10-15 times and have got my butt kicked every time! The tough people aren't in the freeweight area…the toughest people are in the spinning class. Lifting is a vacation compared to spinning. Anyone who has done both will agree!

Cheers,

Rusty

By: Iris Collado

Iris Collado — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:01:41 +0000

Hello Rusty

Another good article!. What is the proper workout attire for women? I wear two pieces of workout attire to the gym. First, I wear either spandex or tight sweatpants for running. Second, I do spinning after running so I wear either cycling pants or a running miniskirt for my spinning class. For my upper body, I always wear either a tank top or tight t-shirt. My gym is very stuffy and I try to stay cool during my workout. By the way, I am the only one wearing a miniskirt in the spinning class. I feel so comfortable that I do not mind about other people's opinions.

By: jos

jos — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:16:23 +0000

Hello Rusty

Gotta say I do love your site and it has become my one stop site for all fitness info, however I have noticed that you don't have any posts on flexibility. I believe that being flexible is extremely important for a fit and functional body and i was wondering why the lack of posts on this topic?

By: Hannah

Hannah — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:41:18 +0000

May get bashed a bit for this, but I wear sweatpants and a hoodie

ALL THE TIME.

People freak out when I wear jeans and ask me, "What's the occasion?" with a smirk on their faces.

I just like it. It's comfortable. Being a college student, I don't feel the need to get dressed up for every little thing (;

By: Yavor

Yavor — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:10:16 +0000

Hassan,

Start running for 5-15 minutes and increase that slowly to 45 mins. You can maybe run 3 times a week and add 5minutes every third workout. This will help you lose weight and also will make your thighs smaller.

-Yavor

By: Tom Parker

Tom Parker — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 18:08:53 +0000

Gotta admit Rusty I do tend to wear my workout clothes quite a lot outside of the gym. I don't wear spandex though, usually just three quarter lengths and a vest. The reason is they're just so comfy. However, I know what you mean. Usually, when going out in public it is worth making the effort as people do see you differently otherwise.

By: Hassan

Hassan — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 13:35:00 +0000

oops sorry about double post, thought my other post didnt show up so i redid another one lol, my bad rusty.

By: Hassan

Hassan — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 12:32:27 +0000

my problem is that i put weight on in my legs and my glutes really easily, and i need a way to tone them legs up, because my body looks slimmer then my legs, and i need a fix for this, as i cant wear right size jeans for my body, and i have to wear baggy as tight or nice fitted look doesnt go with big legs, how can i drop them in size asap, even if it is a drastic way to do it, i dont mind, as long as they are slim ill be happy.

By: Hassan

Hassan — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:27:40 +0000

what do you recomend i do? exercise bike? or treadmill? as i think i put weight on in my legs and my glutes easily, i want to slim down and make it look really even with my body, can you show me what kind of workout i can do for my legs to lose that extra bulk and slim down fully?

By: katie

katie — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:20:26 +0000

rusty, you should do a post on a 4-5 month plan for getting in shape for spring! lots of people go on vacations or spring break at that time and fall is the best time to start preparing.

By: The Spaniard

The Spaniard — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:18:25 +0000

I forgot. There is one trend today that I find absolutely disgusting, tacky, classless, etc… you name it: wearing flip flops with pants. Flip flops are for the beach, not for walking downtown or going to a restaurant. You have to wear them with a bathing suit or bermudas, but always on the beach. If you wear pants, regardless if they are pleated, flat front, jeans, khakis, dockers, chinos, you must wear shoes. I see people everywhere wearing flip flops and they don't realize they look as dorky as the ones wearing crocs.

By: The Spaniard

The Spaniard — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 19:28:49 +0000

Hello Rusty.
I have been wanting to write on your site for a long time. Eventhough there are many things that I like about your page there are other things that I've been wanting to dispute (ex: Mark's Daily Apple). I have decided to start with this article because of your comment about pleated pants. I think that you are wrong about this issue. Have you seen Tiger Woods or George Clooney wearing pleated pants? Pleated pants create a problem when you have a belly and you buy them short, like Phil MIckelson, or you have no ass. If you buy the right size, whether you wear them with a suit or just with a shirt or polo the look you get is more sophisticated than the one you can achieve with flat front pants. Pleated pants are dress pants; flat front are more casual, say like khakis. As far as pleated pants are concerned are you referring to pleated "dockers"? Pleated pants need to be of the appropriate fabric: a winter wool, a tropical wool, etc…
I will be back with other comments that I have.

By: admin

admin — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 02:16:49 +0000

Hassan,

It sound like your legs are the last place to lose weight. You probably just need to focus on losing a bit more weight from diet and cardio. A strong emphasis on distance running for a while is a great way to slim down the legs…typically I suggest intervals and shorter more intense training unless someone naturally puts on too much muscle in their butt, hips, and legs.

Jubby,

Getting stronger with overhead presses goes a long way, but sometimes you have to shock the muscles a bit if they are lagging behind other muscle groups. If they are already defined, but not as big as the rest of your body…then double the volume of sets for a while just on your shoulders. If you shoulders are big, but need more definition…try push presses for a single rep. This is a "quick lift" and it isn't meant to be done for more than 6 weeks. It will add a bit more density to the shoulder and allow you to handle more weight when you go back to strict heavy shoulder presses.

Basically grab an olympic barbell and clean it up to your shoulders. Rest for a couple of seconds and then explode the weight overhead and hold for a few seconds. Go on Youtube to watch a video which explains proper form. You can do quite a few sets of these starting light and working your way up to heavy weight.

Yavor,

I completely agree. Speaking of baggy pants ruining proportions…I would suggest that most men avoid pleated dress pants. They create a curvy look in the hips that doesn't look as good as flat front dress pants. If you have the choice, I would always recommend sticking with flat front pants.

AC,

You certainly can do planks more than once per day. Since this is a static hold exercise, it is unlikely to damage the muscles at all, so it won't require recuperation like a normal lift. It is hard to say how long the results will come. My abs really started to sharpen up after 6 months of consistent effort when I first began lifting. Some people take longer and some people have abs without muc effort at all. Thanks for the compliment…I enjoy hearing from new readers!

Eric,

I'll look up the Klaxons and Late of the Pier…I have not heard of those two bands. I have heard of Vampire Weekend, but have only heard one of their songs. I saw Shiny Toy Guns last night in a small 100 person venue. They were playing songs that haven't been released yet…it sounded great!

Good comments guys!

Rusty