Archive for the ‘Masculinity’ Category
In Defense of Manliness
Last month, Harvard’s “Men Against Rape” invited Michael Kimmel, author of “Guyland,” to the campus to explore the “Perilous World Where Boys Become Men.”
Kimmel’s focus was on the worst of the gender – disenchanted, predatory rapists. But Harvard student Rachel L. Wagley (’11) takes Kimmel to task in her essay in the Harvard Crimson.
An optimistic male audience member asked Kimmel how we can re-inspire manly virtue and create noble men. Kimmel responded that there are no good distinctively manly qualities, rejecting the uniqueness of manhood in a room full of talented men.
Wagley disagrees, taking the position that there’s more to men … and to manliness.
Denigrating manhood harms society because when we assault manliness, we devalue men. Take a moment to admire Heinrich Harrer’s aggressive spirit of pursuit, Tom Sawyer’s territorialism, Nelson Mandela’s courage, and the stranger in the courtyard who held open the gate. Endless illustrations of manly nobility, honor, and courage abound on Harvard’s campus. To Harvard men: You are worthy of honor and respect.
Guys: Find YOUR True Alpha Fitness Factor in 5 Steps!
Rugged manliness is on the downswing today, as evidenced by declining average testosterone levels and a growing population of soft, sedentary beta males. Guys, you can know right now whether you’re a victim of the downward spiral of American virility or a rugged survivor ready to redefine what it means to be your “True Alpha” physical best. Adapted from our revolutionary MaleScale™, it only takes a few minutes and all you’ll need are a pencil, tape measure, watch with a second hand, and piece of chalk. Are you ready to see how you measure up? Read the rest of this entry »
Aerosol Empathy?
Looking for a sensitive new-age makeover? Problem solved!
New nasal spray made with oxytocin, the ‘cuddle hormone,’
could make men more sensitive
Is it really necessary that we display “levels of sensitivity usually found in females”? Should we all be the same? Perhaps male sensitivity is expressed in different ways.
Just as testosterone does not MAKE us aggressive, less oxytocin does not MAKE us insensitive. We can cultivate this characteristic in a manner that is consistent with our maleness by developing our Alpha attitude.
Let’s Get Naked.
Yep, that’s right, strip off those clothes, that bad attitude and that tough outer shell that’s preventing all of us – male and female – from becoming our true inner alpha.
Before I get too philosophical and scientific- two things that I love- let’s talk about this whole naked thing. I mean, let’s be honest, if you’re reading this right now, the word ‘naked’ triggered some sort of emotional or hormonal response to hopefully lead you to some dirty details. No fault in admitting that, that’s the way we’re wired. We all want to feel sexy, attract the opposite sex, and of course ‘get naked.’ But it’s almost like a three step program. Let me explain. Anyone can get naked, but to attract someone of the opposite sex that really lights your fire physically, mentally, emotionally and sexually- takes a person that has a genuine self-confidence and respect for themselves. And so we begin the challenge of the True Alpha Male.
AMC IN THE MAY ISSUE OF FITNESSRX FOR MEN!
Check out the new (May 2010) issue of FitnessRx for Men, page 108, for a new article on finding your Alpha “Fitness” Factor in a simple 5-step test! On news stands now!
Hot Girls and Loud Music
We are all looking for ways to squeeze out a little added benefit to our workouts and they can come from surprising places.
I also felt a need to justify myself after enduring a little bit of ridicule from James and Rick this week via our social friend Facebook. Apparently, listening to Britney during workouts is somewhat of a controversial activity.
But is it? Read the rest of this entry »
What is Alpha?
We started a group on the Alpha Male Challenge at the fitness studio I own about 2 weeks ago. 10 of us are taking the challenge and enjoying it so far! I will be sure to post more updates as we progress.
But for my first post I wanted to address the first hurdle you are going to have to overcome with the Alpha Male Challenge: people are going to make fun of you. I know, I have just seen it happen to ten guys.
James and Rick talk about it extensively in the book – the feminization of North American men. I didn’t want to believe it, after all, I am a stereotypical alpha male, but a few things have sealed the nail in the coffin for me. It is not just the statistics on changing hormone levels and declining strength levels reported in the book that concerns me, it is the attitude of our culture towards the perceived Alpha Male.
That attitude is one of disdain. Calling yourself an Alpha Male has become social suicide. Our cultural perception of an Alpha Male is an overbearing asshole who cares little for others and is solely focused on ensuring his own self preservation and advancement regardless of the cost.
I can see where the conception of Alpha Male as tyrant has developed, let’s be honest, men in positions of power for the last 70 years cemented that vision. But like anything else, times change. TV is littered with examples of this stereotype: think Charlie Sheen.
So I have to ask – what is Alpha? What is an Alpha Male? Is it too late? Is being an Alpha Male the next Apple Newton?
No. The definition of Alpha is changing. What is it changing to? What is Alpha? My dog – he is Alpha.
Helping Others has a Ripple Effect
The Alpha Male Challenge (AMC) helps men reclaim their masculine attitude and vigor. The social role of this more physically capable and mentally tough man is to take the lead in the community, to recognize his responsibility to others and act on their behalf; to be altruistic. The goal of the AMC is to change men’s lives and, in the process, provide an example for others. In that way, the AMC can make positive change for everyone one, not solely for the men who complete it.
Are You an ALPHA Male?
In an essay in the Huffington Post, Tom Matlack examines what it means to be an “Alpha” in today’s world.
To some, the alpha is a guy who is loud and pushy and so aggressively ego-fueled that he always gets his way. I couldn’t help but think, is there a way to be an alpha without being obnoxious–and without treating others as submissive? To answer that question, a friend pointed me to the world of dog training. After all, it is from decades-old studies of wolves and other animals in the wild that the term ‘alpha male’ was coined.
ALPHA MALE CHALLENGE reviewed in IRON MAN magazine!
Columnist and fitness expert Eric Broser reviews Alpha Male Challenge on page 191 of the January 2010 issue of IRON MAN magazine. He writes that the book provides men of any age “with a step-by-step blueprint for restoring our testosterone-filled glory days. … It’s truly a book that no man over 30 years of age should be without.”
