The Image Of Body Weight
by Scotch Q. Ennis

Though it may be difficult to believe, there was a period when additional body fat did not present a negative in the slightest; in fact, additional body padding was once accepted as an indication of prestige. The assessment went that an individual with body fat held the ability to eat amply and do so frequently. It should be documented that this particular perception was accepted during a period and in locations where food deficiencies and food absence could and did happen.

Matters have definitely changed.

Excess body weight, especially in Western culture, is not only no longer considered favorable, there’s now a strong negative stigma attached to it. This stigma is reflected in the reality that, in most of the West, food is plentiful and easily accessible (though not always easily had, depending upon a person’s circumstances). But food plenty isn’t the only reason for a change in perceptions about excess weight. Two other reasons also provide explanation: it’s now common knowledge that excess body weight is unhealthy; and the media regularly displays imagery of thin people.

The media’s presentation of lean is a forceful image-maker. The image of lithe bodies, often exhibited in highly pleasing ways, leaves a substantial imprint. And the media presents these visuals time and time again, so perceptions are retained.

This isn’t an effort to suggest the media is pushing visuals as a means of poisoning society’s values. We must all accept that we are responsible for that which we believe, and how we respond to our values. Still, it’s illusion to argue that the media’s wide reach doesn’t impact belief.

Essentially, the media’s depiction of the thin, majestic body image is used for commerce. The media is trying to convey a pleasing image and affix a commercial item to it. They’re looking for profit, and they’re consciously presenting body image to make it happen.

But trouble can occur when the public endeavors to imitate the “perfect” body visual they get from the media. Eating dysfunctions are a possible result. The extensiveness of food disorders in Western society is surely related to frequent media imagery of slim, and the innuendo that a lean body is exceptionally pleasing.

There is also the emotional pain and suffering suffered by those whose body type is in contrast to slender. Overweight people can take a psychological pounding because of their appearance. They’re at the opposite end of the ideal. They’re inferior — or so the thinking and the treatment sometimes goes.

A healthy body is a good thing. A fit body is a good thing. But, though it may be difficult to do in the face of so much feedback, each of us must develop our own value system as to what’s a desirable body type, and what is not. If we let the media create this value system for us, we put ourselves in a vulnerable, and potentially damaging position.

Home Gyms – Choosing The Best Home Gym For You
by Kenneth Weider

Many a home gym has been purchased, only to wind up in the garage collecting dust and serving as shelving. Some home gyms purchased have been fortunate enough to make it to a garage sale. Before you start home gyms there are many things to consider.

There are plenty of home gyms to choose from. Some home gyms are simple resistance bands and others are the multi-gyms with four to five exercise stations. Then you have the perennial Bowflex and Weider Crossbar. All are great and range in prices that can fit any budget. But will you use it?

Consider the following when purchasing a new home gym:

1. If you are looking at exercising the entire body, a multi-station home gym would be adequate. But if you are just looking at targeting certain muscle groups make sure the home gym you are reviewing can meet your fitness goals.

2. Space allocating is imperative for a home gym. Many home gyms on the market today can fold up easily but may not meet you fitness goals.

3. If you are use to working out with weights, consider buying a plate loading home gym. If you are use to working out with machines, consider home gyms with weight stacks that are adjusted with a pin.

4. Usually the plate loaded home gyms will last a greater period of time without repair. This is because they do not have the pulleys or cables that other home gyms have.

Compare prices of all types of home gyms before making a decision. But more important is the return on investment you are expecting. If you will be using the home gym 3 to 5 days a week it would make financial sense to buy an upper-end home gym.

Visit home gyms, and home gym equipment prior to purchasing anything. Home gyms are a fabulous investment if bought wisely.